Benefits Counseling & Referral Specialist I

The Area Agency on Aging Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments is seeking a Benefits Counselor/Referral Specialist to provide information, referral, and assistance to callers who are seeking long-term services and support through its Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). 

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assessing callers needs and appropriate response modes
• Evaluating appropriate resources and indicating organizations capable of meeting those needs
• Providing enough information about each organization to help callers make informed choices
• Locating alternative resources when services are unavailable and when necessary, linking the person to needed services
• Following up on referrals to ensure the service was provided
• Collaborate with coworkers, and serve as a resource for other agencies and organizations
• Helping people understand public benefits (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid)
• Counseling people who are in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing facilities about options for community-based services
• Providing information on affordable housing programs and properties
• Conducting outreach to social service professionals and the general public

Required Experience:

The position requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's Degree and 1-3 years related work experience. Knowledge of public benefit programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Administration, is preferred.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Salary:

$47,618 per year ($22.98 per hour)

The agency offers generous benefits, a friendly atmosphere with open communications for cooperative decision making, and challenging opportunities. The environment encourages both individual and team growth, responsibility and innovation.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
NCTCOG is an equal opportunity employer/program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other classifications covered under federal, state, or local laws. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Background Check & Drug Testing:
All selected candidates must undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks include national criminal background check, employment history, motor vehicle record check, social security verification, education verification, and other elements as needed. NCTCOG is committed to a safe and drug free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping NCTCOG safe and drug free. In order to receive an offer of employment from NCTCOG, selected candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background check and drug screening.

E-Verify:
The North Central Texas Council of Governments participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

Job postings are kept open for a minimum of 10 calendar days and may close anytime thereafter at the discretion of the hiring manager.