Information & Benefits Specialist – Office on Aging

Knoxville - Knox County; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

Life insurance

Pension plan contributions

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Office on Aging in Knoxville, TN seeks an Information & Benefits Specialist to provide information and referral services by phone and in person. The role involves eligibility screening, enrollment support for SNAP and Medicare, and delivering educational resources to seniors.

Responsibilities include documenting interactions, assisting with program data, and promoting community partnerships. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, with SHIP certification anticipated within a set timeframe.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience with older adults preferred.
• Able to obtain SHIP certification.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Respond to I&R and benefits inquiries via phone, email, and in-person.
• Conduct intake assessments and eligibility screenings.
• Assist enrollment in SNAP, Medicare, and other programs.
• Educate clients on Medicare topics and resources.
• Document client interactions and maintain records.

Skills

Effective communication

Data entry

Computer skills

Customer service

SHIP Certification

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Information & Benefits Specialist – Office on Aging

An employee in this classification receives general supervision from the Office on Aging Information & Benefits Program Manager. An individual in this full-time, 37.5 hours/week position will provide information & referral (“I&R”) services over the telephone and face-to-face, as well as performing a variety of duties including determining eligibility for several services, performing data entry, assisting in the preparation of reports and clerical support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Respond to Information & Referral (I&R) and benefits assistance inquiries received by telephone, email, electronic communication, or in-person visits.

• Receive calls regarding Office on Aging (OOA) services and direct individuals to appropriate internal programs and departments.
• Conduct intake assessments and eligibility screenings for benefits and assistance programs.
• Assist individuals with enrollment in SNAP, Medicare, and other benefit programs through Savings CheckUp and Affordable Medicine Options for Seniors initiatives based on individual needs.
• Educate clients on Medicare-related topics, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, retiree benefits, and available healthcare resources.
• Explain public benefit programs and provide comprehensive application assistance to help clients access needed services and support.
• Follow up with clients to confirm benefits enrollment, address barriers, and determine whether additional assistance is needed.
• Provide accurate, unbiased information and referrals while ensuring appropriate follow-up and client support.
• Document all client interactions, service requests, referrals, and assistance provided in accordance with agency procedures.
• Perform data entry and maintain accurate records related to Information & Referral and benefits assistance services.
• Assist with maintaining program databases and records as directed.
• Support the preparation of reports, statistics, and other program documentation as needed.
• Conduct outreach activities and promote Office on Aging programs and services throughout Knox County, with a focus on Information & Benefits programs.
• Develop and deliver presentations, workshops, and training sessions for community groups and partner organizations.
• Foster and maintain effective working relationships with community partners, service providers, and stakeholders.
• Attend advisory board meetings, committee meetings, and community events as assigned.
• Monitor community resources and emerging programs to ensure the availability of current and accurate information for clients.
• Assist with special events as requested.
• Collaborate with Office on Aging staff and programs to promote a team-oriented approach to service delivery, planning, and problem-solving.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position.

• Knowledge of community resources related to the older adult population.
• Knowledge of best practices and standards of the Information & Referral field.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow instructions provided in written and oral form.
• Ability to listen empathetically to client concerns.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical functions accurately.
• Must have excellent computer skills, including word processing and data entry.
• Must be able to address inquiries in a business-like and professional manner.
• Must be able to work well with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
• Must be able to achieve SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Certification within a prescribed time frame.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with older adults preferred.
• Must be able to communicate well with and relate to individuals calling for assistance.
• Must be attentive to detail and accuracy.
• Must be willing to be SHIP Certified.
• Must have a pleasant personality and telephone manner.
• Must be flexible and willing to work varied scheduled if necessary.
• Requires a valid Tennessee Driver’s License and a reliable automobile for daily use (mileage reimbursed).

Compensation and Benefits:

CAC offers an excellent benefits package including

• Employer-paid health insurance
• Life insurance
• Pension plan contributions
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and generous holidays

SKILL LEVEL: 7, Starting at $17.99 hour/$35,080 annually.

An Equal Opportunity Employer