SHIP Benefits Counselor

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Employer

Appalachian Council of Governments

Start Date

July 7, 2025

Location

Greenville, South Carolina

Position Description

Description
The SHIP Benefits Counselor will provide assistance and unbiased counseling services to enhance and increase awareness to Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries throughout the six-county South Carolina Appalachian Region. This position is under the direct supervision of the Aging Services Director and the general supervision of the Executive Director. Areas of responsibility include client support and administrative functions.

Responsibilities
Client Support
– Assist clients by assessing needs, determining eligibility, researching available options, and directing consumers to appropriate aging or disability services.
– Assist consumers in making informed health insurance decisions.
– Determine eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid
– Provide unbiased one on one counseling to Medicare eligible clients in relation to Medicare Part D, Part C, or Medicare Supplement Insurance Options
– Assist with coordination of Medicare and Retiree Health Coverage Options
– Identify potential fraud, abuse or billing error issues in relation to insurance claims.
– Screen and determine client eligibility for subsidy programs such as LIS, ABD, SLMB, QI, etc.
– Participate in community outreach and educational events as requested by the Aging Services Director and community contacts
– Perform back-up duties of the Information Referral and Assessment (I/R&A) Specialist.
– Provide appropriate referrals within the agency and to other partnering agencies.
– Identify potential community partnerships and potential SHIP/SMP Volunteers, which assist in expanding the program.
– Assist beneficiaries with LTC applications.
– Obtain 24 hours annually of recertification training pertinent to the SHIP program.

Administrative
– Provide reports to supervising staff and complete necessary state and federal reports.
– Collect necessary information for clients to be entered in various databases.
– Attend mandatory meetings to share activity experiences, outreach techniques, and to maintain updated resources materials/information.
– Support the Aging Services team for special projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Experience

Knowledge
– Microsoft Office software programs and ability to learn new computer software
– Local and state laws relating to senior legislation
Skills
– Strong oral and written skills required
– Good interviewing, observation, and note taking skills
– Effectively communicate to match client needs with appropriate services
Abilities
– Manage complex analytical tasks
– Ability to be flexible and respond quickly and effectively to changing work assignments

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
– Bachelor’s degree
– Two (2) years of experience in social work, public health, nursing, or a related field;
– OR equivalent combination of training and experience with demonstrated competence to fulfill duties assigned to this position.
– Must become State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) certified as soon as possible and have a Certification for Information and Referral Specialists – Aging/Disabilities (CIRS-A/D) within one year of hire. Obtain SCTHRIVE LTC Certification for Long Term Care Applications.

Application Deadline

July 7, 2025

How to Apply

Please email or deliver a cover letter, resume, and references to:
Appalachian Council of Governments
Attn: Jalesha Deloatch
30 Century Circle
Greenville, SC 29607
(jdeloatch@scacog.org)