Benefits Counselor

COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF GREATER DALLAS•Dallas, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Implement Benefits Counseling Program outreach strategy to increase awareness of public benefits and long term care options for Dallas County residents 60 years of age and older and anyone receiving Medicare regardless of age. Requires the ability to function independently within the policies of the Community Council, the Dallas Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), and in accordance with the laws and regulations of Texas Health and Human Services.

Requirements

Written & Oral Communications, fluency in English both written and spoken; fluency in a second language (Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Farsi) a plus but not required
Basic knowledge of computers for use for word processing, formatting documents, spreadsheets, and data entry
Demonstrated expertise of public benefits and specific eligibility criteria
Knowledge of services and programs serving older adults and/or adults with disabilities and experience working with those populations
Case management experience
Ability to interact with clients from diverse populations and backgrounds
Demonstrated tact, good judgement and ethics
Bachelor's degree in social work or related field plus two years' experience in area related to expressed job
Work related experience in providing one on one counseling by phone or in person
Must have reliable transportation with current valid Texas driver's license and state mandated automobile insurance for travel to and from meetings and presentations.

Nice To Haves

Responsibilities

Keep current on laws, regulations, standards and the Texas Administrative Code pertaining to the elderly, resources available and service needs of the elderly and their caregivers
Provide outreach to the general population and the underserved populations including those with hearing or vision impairments, language differences, and/or physical challenges, including the homebound
Provide benefits counseling at assigned sites and/or as requested.
Complete all required documentation and maintain client confidentiality
Enter all client data, hours and contacts in client tracking system and submit monthly signed reports to Benefits Counselor Coordinator
Provide legal awareness to individuals and/or their representatives and presentations to groups as requested
Coordinate with other Access & Assistance staff to ensure cooperation in the intake, screening and referral process.
Submit required reports as directed in a timely manner
Share information on new resources with Access & Assistance staff
Secure certification as a Benefits Counselor I within six months of hire date
Secure Benefits Counselor II certification as directed and maintain valid certification at all times
Represent Dallas Area Agency on Aging or Community Council at public events as directed
Attend staff meetings, trainings, seminars, and workshops for professional development.
Perform other duties as assigned