Job Title
Benefits Counselor
Job Type
Part-Time
Category
Social Services & Benefits Counseling
Location
NCTCOG – ARLINGTON, TX 76011 US (Primary)
Travel
10 – 20%
Job Description
Who We Are & What We Do:
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, and was established to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG’s purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions.
The Area Agency on Aging, a program of the North Central Texas Council of Government, serves adults aged 60 and older and their family caregivers who live in Collin, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, and Wise counties. Our mission is to create and maintain a coordinated network of health and social services for older adults and family caregivers. We provide services and resources that help older adults maximize their quality of life and live as independently as possible. By providing information, education, and direct services, we help individuals meet basic needs and make informed decisions.
Description of the Opportunity:
The Area Agency on Aging is seeking a part-time Benefits Counselor/Referral Specialist to provide information, referral, and assistance to callers who are seeking social and/or health services. The primary responsibility is to explain public benefits, with a focus on Medicare and/or Medicaid, and provide application assistance as needed. The individual in this position will support the benefits counseling program by conducting person-centered assessments of callers’ needs, explaining eligibility requirement for various federal, state and local benefits and other programs for older adults and persons with disabilities. Other responsibilities include evaluating appropriate responses, indicating organizations capable of meeting those needs, collaborating with coworkers, serving as a resource for other agencies and organizations, making community presentations, training or working with volunteers, and supporting other programs as assigned.
To be considered for any other NCTCOG position that may currently be open, applicants need to apply online separately for those postings. All submittals should include a cover letter summarizing work experience, as well as a current resume.
Desired Skills:
- Knowledge of federal and state benefits
- Work requires listening skills to assist callers and provide appropriate response
- Ability to write reports, prepare business letters, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar
- Conducts research for budget documents
- Work requires regular contact with others, internal and external
- Work requires practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the Agency.
Required Education & Experience:
- Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor’s Degree and 1-3 years related work experience.
- Working knowledge of Medicare and/or Medicaid.
- Ability to obtain Benefits Counselor Certification within six months.
Compensation:
- Salary: $21.58/hour or higher based on qualifications
- This position is expected to work 20 hours a week.
Benefits:
The agency offers generous benefits, a friendly atmosphere with open communications for cooperative decision making, and challenging opportunities. The environment encourages both individual and team growth, responsibility, and innovation.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
NCTCOG is an equal opportunity employer/program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other classifications covered under federal, state, or local laws. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Background Check & Drug Testing:
All selected candidates must undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks include national criminal background check, employment history, motor vehicle record check, social security verification, education verification, and other elements as needed. NCTCOG is committed to a safe and drug free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping NCTCOG safe and drug free. In order to receive an offer of employment from NCTCOG, selected candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background check and drug screening.
E-Verify:
The North Central Texas Council of Governments participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee’s authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
Job postings are kept open for a minimum of 10 calendar days and may close anytime thereafter at the discretion of the hiring manager.