Benefits Counselor

Benefits Counselor

COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF GREATER DALLAS - 3.6

Dallas, TX Job Details Full-time 11 hours ago Qualifications Computer literacy Driver's License Bachelor's degree Individual counseling Full Job Description Summary/Key Objectives 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. Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General 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 Supervisory Responsibility This position has no direct supervisory responsibility. Work Environment This job operates in a professional office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Physical Demands This is largely a sedentary role; however, some mobility is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary and to transport materials to and from meetings, presentations and to home visits as needed. Good vision, and good hearing acuity (with corrective lenses and/or hearing aids if necessary). Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position. Days and hours or work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Travel This position requires less than 10% out-of-region travel. Local in-region travel for meetings, presentations and/or home visits may be approximately 30% to 35%. Must have reliable transportation with current valid Texas driver's license and state mandated automobile insurance for travel to and from meetings and presentations. Skill Competencies 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 Required Education and Experience 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 Other Desired Education and Experience / Not Required MSW