Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) - Staff Counselor Special Projects

HICAP of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties is a program offered by the Council on Aging-Southern California (COASC), a non-profit organization serving older adults and individuals with disabilities since 1973. The mission of COASC and HICAP is to promote the independence, health, and dignity of older adults through compassion, education, and advocacy.

HICAP is a volunteer-based program that benefits older adults and persons living with disabilities. The goal of this program is to provide objective counseling, advocacy, and assistance with Medicare health insurance, and related health coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, and to educate the public on Medicare and health insurance issues.

PURPOSE OF WORK: To support the Inland Empire HICAP Operations, Call Center, Volunteer, and Education and Outreach Departments by providing administrative and operational support, mentoring volunteers and supporting Outreach efforts and special projects to improve the overall program and enhance counseling activities.

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Assisting and counseling existing and newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers and professionals about Medicare benefits, coverage, rights, and issues or problems related to their Medicare coverage. Completing special projects to enhance knowledge and comprehension of HICAP counselors and improve overall program.

JOB FUNCTIONS (Including but not limited to):

• Successfully complete and continuously maintain HICAP Counselor state registration.
• Client case management and in-person or phone counseling to support the Call Center.
• Maintain current knowledge of Medicare-related topics by attending monthly trainings and conducting research as needed to provide accurate and comprehensive counseling to clients.
• Become knowledgeable of low-income assistance programs and provide support to HICAP volunteer counselors.
• In coordination with HICAP Volunteer Coordinator, provide support for volunteers ensuring counseling in the Call Center is at a high level of quality.
• Maintain accurate and complete client case records and information in HICAP database.
• Assist in program data entry and meeting monthly deadlines.
• Collaborate with HICAP team members on developing special projects and other duties assigned by the HICAP Program Director.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Education in Human Services, Social Work, Gerontology, Sociology, or related field, preferred.  Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual English-Spanish preferred but not required.
• Possess an understanding of modern office practices.
• Experience and knowledge of technology preferred. 
• Previous office experience preferred.
• Previous health care or human services experience preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and in team settings. 
• Well organized with the ability to multi-task.
• Proficient in the use of Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet Search Engines.
• Experienced and working knowledge of technical Audio/Visual Equipment.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• A valid California driver’s license, proof of current vehicle insurance and reliable transportation.
• Submit to and successfully complete a Live Scan fingerprinting background check to include a national criminal records check.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform this job.

While performing the duties of this job the employee will be required to sit for periods of time. Standing, walking and bending are required movements. The employee will occasionally need to lift approximately 20 lbs.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The ability to transport oneself to needed appointments with reliable transportation is required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The Council on Aging – Southern California is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status.