Public Benefits Counselor

Lablaw; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 32,991 - 45,792; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit civil legal aid provider in Kentucky is seeking a Public Benefits Counselor to assist elderly and disabled individuals in accessing government benefits programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The counselor will work directly with clients, provide outreach and education in the community, and support volunteers. Candidates should possess a relevant degree or equivalent experience and demonstrate strong communication skills. The salary range is competitive, and the position remains open until filled.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree from an accredited College or University or an associate degree in Paralegal or Legal Studies or equivalent experience.
• Ability to communicate verbally clearly and accurately and in writing. Must have a pleasant telephone demeanor.
• Able to travel to courthouses, senior citizens center, trainings and other events.
• Ability to use office and computer technology, including case management and word processing software.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with Medicare beneficiaries to help resolve their Medicare issues.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers.
• Develop a community outreach plan for education about assistance programs.
• Maintain accurate files and prepare records for client services.
• Identify and pursue training needs.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Office and computer technology

Pleasant telephone demeanor

Education

Four-year degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Legal Aid of the Bluegrass seeks a Public Benefits Counselor to work from its Covington or Lexington office locations. Legal of the Bluegrass is a non-profit civil legal aid provider with a 50-year history of making a positive impact in communities located in northeastern and central Kentucky. The Benefits Counselor will work directly with elderly and disabled individuals to help them access applicable government benefits programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, etc. The position will primarily work with Medicare beneficiaries to counsel Medicare recipients about public benefits, health, and other insurance benefit programs. Additionally, anyone over 60 will be able to receive assistance. The Benefits Counselor will assist clients in person or by phone to enroll them in public benefits programs; recruit and train volunteers to supplement program services; conduct community education and enrollment events; and coordinate services with the organization’s staff attorneys.

Responsibilities include:

• Work directly with Medicare beneficiaries to resolve their simple to complex Medicare issues, assist with their public benefits, and/or resolve other health insurance problems.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to counsel Medicare recipients on government benefits, health, and other insurance matters.
• Develop and implement a plan for community outreach and education about different assistance programs and public benefits for Medicare beneficiaries.
• Maintain accurate and complete files and prepare timely and complete forms and records required for client services or related administrative tasks. Enter accurate data into electronic case management systems.
• Identify and pursue training needs.
• Perform and complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements, Skill & Abilities include:

• Four-year degree from an accredited College or University or an associate degree in Paralegal or Legal Studies or have equivalent experience.
• Ability to communicate verbally clearly and accurately and in writing and have a pleasant telephone demeanor.
• Must be able to travel to courthouses, senior citizens center, trainings and other events.
• Ability to use office and computer technology, including case management and word processing software.

Salary Range: $32,991 - $45,792

Legal Aid of the Bluegrass is a non-profit law firm providing civil legal assistance to nearly 220,000 low-income people in 33 counties from 4 offices located in Covington, Lexington, Morehead, and Ashland. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass’ legal practice is primarily in the areas of family law, domestic violence, government and VA benefits, and housing and consumer law. It has been and will continue to be the policy of Legal Aid of the Bluegrass to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected categories.

The position is open until filled.

Qualified Candidates should send resume, cover letter, and references to [e-mail] with the subject line Public Benefits Counselor