State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor

Job Description

Easterseals is hiring a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor for our Aging and Disability Resource Center. To provide unbiased and person-centered education, advocacy, assistance and support to NH residents so they may retain their dignity, quality of life and highest level of independence.  Support individuals in a manner which would allow them to make informed choices/decisions regarding their long-term service and support and assist individuals with navigating the various community organizations, agencies, and other resources in the community.

Schedule: Full time 40 hours a week; Monday-Friday 8a-4:30p or 8:30a-5p

Location: Must be willing to work between the Manchester and Nashua offices

Compensation: $21/hour

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one counseling and assistance to individuals and their families who may be applying for or receiving benefits under all Medicare programs.
• Provide counseling and assistance via telephone, office appointments, walk-ins, and public education presentations.
• Facilitate outreach activities regarding the Medicare program through discussion and distribution of Medicare related information and brochures.
• Provide information and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries on applying for State programs to help cover some Medicare costs.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on all aspects of the Medicare program, including but not limited to supplemental insurances, Medicare Advantage Plans, drug coverage, long-term care insurance, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs.
• Coordinate exchange of health insurance related information between Aging and Disability Resource Center staff and volunteers, state and federal agencies, including the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
• Responsible for completing all required reports as well as coordinate record keeping and reporting for SHIP program, as required by CMS, ACL, DHHS, and the ADRC contract. This will include ensuring that all Medicare counseling, outreach and education, and volunteer management activities are entered into the mandatory state and federal databases including the  tracking, referring and reporting of inquiries and complaints.
• Assist ADRC Center Manager and DHHS, BAAS SHIP/SMP Director to develop and update policies and procedures related to the SHIP.
• Maintain up-to-date printed material and resources related to the SHIP programs.
• Assist ADRC Center Manager and coordinate with DHHS, BAAS SHIP/SMP Director and Trainer on statewide initiatives relative to SHIP/SMP activities.
• Assist with office coverage including answering phones and providing general information and referral counseling and recording contacts accurately in mandatory database.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, OR Associates Degree with equivalent experience can be substituted for Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience working with older adults and /or adults with disabilities in areas of human service delivery system, customer relations, information and referral or related field
• Obtain certification as a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Counselor within one (1) year of hire
• Obtain the Alliance of Information and Referral services (AIRS) certification in one (1) year
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and/or database application program
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation

What’s in it for you? We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time, eligible employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability
• PTO begins accruing on your first day!
• Up to 9 paid holidays annually, plus one floating holiday of your choice. For programs that remain open during holidays, staff scheduled to work will receive holiday pay in accordance with program guidelines.
• 403(b) employer match up to a maximum of 3%
• Tuition reimbursement after one year of employment
• Student loan repayment for qualifying degrees after one year of employment
• Wellness programs: nutritional counseling services, reimbursement programs for weight loss & tobacco cessation