Connections Area Agency on Aging

Description

Provide one-on-one assistance to help Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers or representatives with questions and problems related to Medicare & related health insurances. Counselors also assist their sponsor site to create awareness of SHIIP-SMP services in the county; for example, discussions with partners or group presentations.

Responsibilities:

• Meet new volunteer counselor certification and annual recertification requirements.
• Provide confidential/objective counseling to beneficiaries/representatives on Medicare and related health insurance issues.
• Advocate on behalf of beneficiaries to help them resolve Medicare and other related health insurance issues.
• Educate individual beneficiaries on Medicare related issues.
• Serve clients regardless of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
• Utilize SHIIP-SMP and Medicare materials and resources to stay up-to-date on issues affecting Medicare Beneficiaries.
• Use Medicare internet-based programs to help clients compare plans.
• Assess beneficiary needs and make appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Comply with SHIIP-SMP policies and procedures, including those regarding confidentiality and reporting of SHIIP-SMP activities.
• Promote SHIIP-SMP in your community through presentations and/or displays.
• Actively recruit new SHIIP-SMP volunteers.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to listen, identify beneficiary issues, and problem solve
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Willingness to advocate on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries
• Comfort utilizing technology, the internet and online programs
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Good organizational skills
• Willingness and ability to learn and retain information
• Sensitivity in working with diverse populations

Requirements:

• Be 21 years of age or older.
• Pass federal criminal background check (grant requirement).
• New Volunteer Certification:
  • Complete virtual New Volunteer Training consisting of online modules and attending online classes.
  • Shadow an experienced SHIIP-SMP Volunteer Counselor to observe counseling sessions and learn online reporting requirements.
  • Complete a minimum of 30 client contacts in initial training year.
  • Commit to an initial twelve months as a SHIIP-SMP Volunteer Counselor.
• Annual Recertification:
  • Attend two update trainings each year.
  • Complete the on-line certification review, 85% accuracy is required.
  • Report a minimum of 60 individual client contacts annually (the 2023 avg was 155).
  • Complete additional online training modules as required.
• Conduct one-on-one counseling with SHIIP-SMP clients (combination of in-person, phone and/or virtual appointments).
• Complete reporting requirements in a timely manner.
• Adhere to SHIIP-SMP Policies and Procedures, including maintaining confidentiality of all client information.
• Have access to e-mail and internet, and a working computer.
• Assist sponsor site coordinator with local site promotion, and volunteer recruitment.
• Refrain from endorsing or recommending any insurance company, policy or agent.
• Additional availability to serve SHIIP-SMP clients during the fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7).
• Willing to serve all clients, regardless of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
• Licensed or active insurance agents and financial planners and their spouses are excluded from being SHIIP-SMP volunteers.

How can I apply to be a SHIIP-SMP Volunteer Counselor?
Information about how to apply and more details about the role of SHIIP-SMP volunteer
counselors can be found on the SHIIP-SMP website:
https://shiip.iowa.gov/find-resources/find-counselor/volunteer-shiip-smp 

 How do I get more information?
Feel free to contact us with any additional questions!
• Website: www.shiip.iowa.gov
• Email: shiiprecruit@iid.iowa.gov
• Phone: 1-800-351-4664