Information/Medicare Specialist - Spanish Speaking

The Suburban Area Agency on Aging, now AgeOptions, is committed to improving the quality of life and maintaining the dignity of older persons and those who care about them. The Agency is a not-for-profit corporation designated by the Illinois Department on Aging to serve suburban Cook County. As a catalyst for connecting older persons and caregivers to resources and service options, we are nationally recognized for our innovative programming, networking with community based senior service agencies, excellent service provisions, and advocacy efforts on behalf of older persons. Our offices are conveniently located in downtown Oak Park nearby the Lake Street El and Northwestern train.  We offer a casual work environment with competitive salaries and benefit packages.

 

We are seeking qualified individuals for the following position:

 

INFORMATION/MEDICARE SPECIALIST - SPANISH SPEAKING 

 

BASIC FUNCTION

 

Under the leadership of the Manager of Benefits, Information and Education, the Information/Medicare Specialist provides Information and Assistance and support for the Make Medicare Work program and Pharmaceutical Assistance to Spanish Speaking callers three days per week.  The Specialist will also provide back-up coverage for general Information and Assistance calls.  For two days per week, the Specialist will support the Make Medicare Work grant activities by conducting outreach, representing AgeOptions at professional meetings and community events, assist with development of outreach materials and content development for bi-monthly news bulletins and alerts.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Information and Assistance ? Three Days Per Week

 

Information and Assistance may include responding to calls, letters or e-mails, and office visits from older persons, caregivers, public officials, and service providers.  Responsibilities include:

?  Responds to requests for information and assistance

?  Assesses the needs and capacities of the individual caller/writer 

?  Answers the questions and/or provides specific information about the appropriate community resources which meet the immediate expressed need

?  Utilizes ARC (Aging Resource Center), the Area Agency?s computerized database of information, to provide information and referrals as well as track client calls

?  Conducts the research necessary to answer specific questions

?  Links callers to the opportunities and services that are available

?  Sends appropriate materials

?  Conducts follow-up to ensure that individuals have received needed services

 

Provides back-up for general Information and Assistance to Spanish speaking callers including assistance to funded agencies.

 

Provides technical assistance to funded agencies on Information and Assistance for calls relating to Medicare and Pharmaceutical Assistance.

 

Helps to conduct training for various Area Agency programs. 

 Make Medicare Work (MMW) ? Two Days per week

 Community Education and Outreach related to MMW

Coordinate and provide area-wide outreach and education to businesses, religious and community organizations, libraries, local governments, and other appropriate outlets in the service area.  Coordinate activities with related local programs such as HealthCare Choices, Senior Medicare Patrol, the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), Ombudsman and Services in the Neighborhood for Seniors (SINS).  The goal will be to provide a minimum of 4 presentations per month.

 

Conduct presentations (in English or Spanish) using program approved materials and other customized materials.

 

Conducts one on one counseling sessions related to selecting and applying for low income assistance, health and prescription drug programs.

 

Staff health fairs (responsibility shared with other Outreach team members) and other community events.

 

Represents the Area Agency at community outreach events as appropriate.

 

Supports the Make Medicare Work grant activities.

 

Coordinates presentation requests from the community.

 

Tracks client data and presentation data from MMW members.  Assists in the compilation of reports to funding sources.

 

Health Care Choices Resource Center

 

Develops and maintains the Area Agency resource closet, including inventory management (tracking and ordering materials) for Medicare and Pharmaceutical topics.

 

Develops and maintains information on resources related to Medicare and pharmaceutical programs.  Keeps other Area Agency staff up-to-date on these resources.

 

Maintain a calendar of all relevant trainings and events for the general area on the MMW web page.  This will require networking with various members of the Make Medicare Work Coalition to ensure that the listed information is accurate and cancellations are noted.

 

Contribute to Frequently Asked Questions (with the appropriate answers) on the MMW web page.

 

Assist with the content development of the bi-monthly news bulletins, alerts, and 2 information pieces on education and outreach each month.  The primary person responsible is the Medicare Specialist.

 

Responsible for other assignments providing support to the Program and Community Support unit and the Area Agency such as conducting presentations in Spanish, outreach and public education efforts.

 

OTHER DUTIES

Performs other duties as assigned.

 Connections

 

Works with the following Area Agency staff on collaborative issues:

 Director of Program and Community SupportDirector of Benefits and AdvocacyTeam Leader for Information and AssistanceSpecialists for Outreach, Information and Assistance, Senior Medicare Patrol Coordinator, MedicareVISTAs

 

Work with the Make Medicare Work Coalition members and governing leaders.

 

Work with Community agencies across the metropolitan area.

 SUPERVISION

 

This position does not supervise anyone. Qualifications

 Education and Experience

 

Masters Degree or

Bachelor's Degree and one year experience in gerontology, social services or related area   Or

High school graduate plus ten years experience in social services, employment or related area.

 

Fluent Bi-lingual English and Spanish ? the applicant must be able to converse, write/translate and present to groups in Spanish as well as in English.

 

Knowledge and Ability

 

Abiility to deal effectively with clients from a wide range of backgrounds.

 

Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.

 

Ability to prepare written reports, grant applications and position papers.

 

Knowledge of/ability to learn programs and benefits for seniors.

 

Knowledge of Medicare and Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs.

 

Computer literate in Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Internet use.

 

Public Speaking

 

Ability to learn the Aging Resource Center (Enhanced Services Program)

 

 

Interested persons please contact HR@AgeOptions.org or Fax to 708-524-0870.  EOE, older persons encouraged to apply. Only resumes with salary requirements will be considered.  No phone calls please.