Older Adults Benefits Counselor

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

LOCATION

Arthur C. Nielsen, Jr. Campus in Northfield, IL (other offices/locations as needed)

PT/FT:

FT (35 hours/week) Are you passionate about supporting the well-being of older adults? Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the 24,000 individuals we serve each year? If so, North Shore Senior Center could be the perfect place for you! We are currently looking for a dedicated Older Adults Benefits Specialist to join our team. As a "Best & Brightest" company to work for, NSSC is a nationally accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit, committed to enhancing the lives of older adults across a broad spectrum of needs—from those living independently to those needing comprehensive care. Our wide range of services includes specialized dementia care, social services, educational and wellness programs, and volunteer opportunities, all designed to enrich the lives of older adults across the 26 communities we serve.

SUMMARY:

The Older Adults Benefits Specialist assists, educates, represents, and advocates for older adults to overcome barriers to participation in public benefit programs to which they are entitled. This position is responsible for oversight of volunteers who assist clients applying for benefit programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Meets face-to-face with clients in the Senior and Family Services offices (locations in Northfield and Niles) Assists with volunteer recruitment Supervises and supports volunteers, in collaboration with on-site supervisors Maintains certification and training requirements for benefits assistance, including Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), and Public Aid Conducts training sessions for benefit volunteers Evaluates and monitors the effectiveness of services Educates the community on benefit services available to seniors Assists in resolving LIHEAP and SHIP issues

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises approximately 15 volunteers across three sites Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training volunteers; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems related to volunteers

QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in social work (MSW), counseling, or related field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience Minimum of two years' experience working with older adults Experience providing benefits support to seniors Strong interpersonal and organizational skills Experience leading a team; project management/coordination, preferred Experience working with volunteers, preferred Sensitivity to cultural diversity Ability to travel and work at North Shore Senior Center's two Senior and Family Services sites (Northfield and Niles) Certificates, licenses and registrations required: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) - these certifications may be obtained upon hire Computer skills required: Microsoft Office Suite (intermediate to advanced), state computer systems and agency proprietary software (training for the latter two systems upon hire) Benefits 401(k) Employer matched 401(k) retirement savings plan Generous paid time off to maintain work-life balance Sick Time 12 Paid Holidays Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage Employer Paid Life Insurance Short-term Disability Insurance Employer Paid Long-term Disability Insurance Flexible spending and health savings accounts Access to employee assistance programs Employee discounts Mileage reimbursement Professional development opportunities Referral bonus program Tuition reimbursement Diverse and inclusive workplace Positive work culture Free membership to

NSSC Fitness Center EOE:

North Shore Senior Center is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race (including traits associated with race including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, parental status, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$45,000.00 - $47,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Application Question(s): What is your salary expectation?

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Social Work:

2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required)

Work Location:

In person