Senior Benefits Specialist (Certified Application Counselor (29123)

Job Summary

The Senior Benefits Specialist (Certified Application Counselor) plays a key role in connecting justice-involved individuals to health coverage through the Maryland Health Connection. This position provides direct enrollment support and Medicaid education to incarcerated individuals under the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. As the lead worker for a team of Application Counselors, the Senior Benefits Specialist offers guidance and support to promote consistency—but does not supervise or manage staff. This role also includes administrative tasks and data reporting duties to support the overall functioning of the program.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead worker for a team of Application Counselors by offering guidance and support to promote consistency in outreach and enrollment activities.
• Maintain certification as a Certified Application Counselor (CAC) through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.
• Screen and enroll eligible individuals under age 65 in Medicaid using the Maryland Health Connection portal.
• Educate clients on Medicaid eligibility, plan selection, coverage use, and ways to maintain coverage post-release.
• Assist clients in gathering necessary documentation for enrollment and help prevent lapses in coverage.
• Track enrollment status and effective dates, and flag cases that need follow-up.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and agency protocols.
• Accurately document outreach and enrollment data in the agency’s systems.
• Pull reports, monitor data, and complete other administrative tasks as needed.
• Stay current on program updates, eligibility requirements, and state enrollment processes.
• Provide in-person and telehealth-based enrollment support across correctional facilities statewide.
• Travel as needed to meet program goals and operational demands.
  
  

Perform other duties as assigned

Education & Experience

• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least two years of experience in public health, health insurance, or a related field.
• Experience working with justice-involved individuals or within public safety systems preferred.
• Familiarity with Maryland Medicaid and the Maryland Health Connection system is a plus
  
  

Compensation

• In compliance with Maryland's wage transparency requirements, the compensation for this position includes a base salary range of $45,000 - $50,092 per year. Additionally, the benefits package includes vacation, sick, personal, and mental health leave, a 401k retirement plan with employer match, medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, company-paid life insurance, voluntary life insurance options, Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options, and a voluntary emergency savings fund with employer match.
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently.
• Comfortable supporting peers and serving as a resource without direct supervisory authority.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint).
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel across the state.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and in a correctional environment.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Walk three or more blocks as needed.
• Sit for extended periods and input data regularly.
• Occasionally lift and move up to 25 lbs.
• Perform occasional bending, stooping, or reaching.
  
  

Work Environment

• This is a hybrid position with work performed from home, in the office, and on-site at correctional facilities. Exposure to moderate noise and indoor/outdoor conditions.
• Statewide travel required.
  
  

Safety & Health Responsibilities

Employees must follow HCAM’s safety policies and all applicable health regulations. Standard precautions must be followed at all times. Participation in safety training is required.