Council on Aging - Southern California Is Hiring A Medicare And Outreach Specialist Bilingual

Join our team as a Medicare Benefits and Outreach Specialist (Bilingual Farsi) and make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults and those with disabilities! 🌟

Position Overview

Hours: 16 to 24 hours per week (part-time)

FLSA Category: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Program Director, HICAP

Location: Irvine, Orange County

About Us

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) is a proud initiative of the Council on Aging-Southern California (COASC), a private, nonprofit organization serving older adults and individuals with disabilities since 1973. Our mission is to uphold the independence, health, and dignity of older adults through compassion, education, and advocacy.

HICAP specializes in assisting Medicare beneficiaries and those soon eligible for Medicare at any age. Our goal is to provide objective counseling, assistance, and education on Medicare, related health insurance plans, and long-term care planning and services.

Purpose of Work

To assist, counsel, and educate Farsi-speaking individuals regarding Medicare and related topics. To help expand HICAP and Medicare awareness within the Persian community.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist and educate existing and newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers about Medicare benefits, coverage, and rights.
• Perform community outreach to increase awareness of HICAP services and the importance of understanding Medicare plans.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with organizations serving older adults, especially those supporting the Persian community.
• Collaborate with other HICAP counselors and outreach staff as part of a dedicated team.
• Conduct community outreach events and activities related to Medicare and income assistance programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned, which may include flexible schedules for weekends or after-hours presentations.

Job Requirements

• Complete initial HICAP counselor registration and maintain registration status.
• Manage client cases, especially for Farsi-speaking clients, documenting in designated databases.
• Develop and nurture relationships with organizations serving older adults and the Persian community.
• Implement strategies to reach individuals with limited English proficiency.
• Work effectively in team settings with other counselors and outreach staff.
• Engage in community outreach efforts focusing on Medicare and income assistance programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Social Science, Gerontology, Management, or related field (or relevant experience in lieu of degree).
• Over 10 years of experience working with the older adult population.
• Experience with health insurance programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Marketplace is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Farsi. 🗣️
• Strong public speaking skills and community engagement experience.
• Successful completion of HICAP counselor registration requirements.
• Willingness to continuously learn about Medicare and related topics.
• Ability to remain objective and patient during counseling sessions.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and capable of working independently.
• Well-organized with multi-tasking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and internet research.
• Valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a background check, including a national criminal records check.

Working Conditions

The physical demands include sitting for extended periods, with occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to approximately 20 lbs. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Employment Conditions

Reliable transportation is necessary to attend appointments and events. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

🌍 The Council on Aging – Southern California is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, or military/veteran status.