GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist older adults and adults with disabilities in accessing SHIP related services, including Benefits Access Program, Medicaid, Medicare, and related benefit and entitlement programs.
• Assist in recruiting, training, and monitoring program volunteers in assigned duties.
• Ensure coverage of necessary program and service functions.
• Participate in community outreach efforts to support the Senior Health Information Program (SHIP), Senior Health Assistance Programs (SHAP), and MIPPA Programs.
• Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Actively participate in the coordination and facilitation of the recruitment, onboarding, and orientation of program volunteers. Ensure all volunteers are oriented to established program policies and procedures.
• Participate in community outreach and participant recruitment activities, including completing telephone calls, staffing tables at community events, and delivery of flyers to community partners. Assist in the formal and regular recognition of volunteers, organizations, and individuals who have contributed support to the program.
• Complete benefit and entitlement education, application assistance, and community services referral assistance to older adults and adults with disabilities.
• Accurately maintain computer database, as well as volunteer and client file records and assist in program reporting processes.
• Maintain awareness of current information on programs and services available to older adults and persons with disabilities.
• Attend staff meetings, conferences, and training programs as recommended by supervisor and/or required by program oversight agencies.
• Actively participate in agency and program quality improvement processes.
• Coordinate work schedule for adequate program coverage and utilize agency time and resources effectively.
• Act as an agency ambassador in communities served and attend community groups.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Complete essential role functions to meet funder’s requirements for minimum units and persons and ensure program documents, including volunteer and client files, are consistent with program standards.
• Adhere to the required compliance standards of the funding source.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, and education as required.
• Position is considered an at-will and requires a six-month probationary period.
• Probationary and annual evaluations of performance are conducted.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The ability to sit for extended periods of time, climb stairs, and lift up to 20 pounds is required.
• Daily use of a computer is required.
• Must be able to meet requirements with or without reasonable accommodations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Duties of this position may vary, but are generally performed in an office setting and are normally fulfilled during the business hours of 8:30AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday.
• Client meetings at satellite or partner sites required.
• Conducting home visits is required within the service area, as well as presentations within the counties/communities served.
• Evening and/or weekend hours may be required.
• Travel to the various Catholic Charities sites in the Diocese and other locations is expected based on Agency needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in a health or human service field is required for this position. All degrees must come from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval.

2. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in benefit access or case management is required. Basic knowledge of government and community-based service systems and ability to establish relationships with community partners.

3. Bilingual Spanish language competency is strongly preferred.

4. Successful completion and maintenance of SHIP (Senior Health Information Program) Counselor certification required within six (6) months of hire.

5. Must demonstrate the ability to work independently.

6. Ability to relate well to older adults and persons with disabilities, utilizing an empathetic manner and respecting privacy, dignity, and right to self-determination.

7. Prior volunteer management experience is preferred.

8. Demonstrated competency to effectively, professionally, and strategically engage and provide services for diverse and vulnerable communities, including clients from a variety of religious, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; and handling confidential information discreetly.

9. Excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and complete work self-directed

10. Strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to respond quickly and appropriately in times of crisis, and to communicate effectively in difficult and stressful situations

11. Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with attention to detail, in both individual and group settings

12. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with co-workers and community agencies.

13. Proficiency using computer and internet programs, including Microsoft Office applications and activity reporting systems.

14. A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation and proof of liability insurance is required.

15. Passage of complete background clearance.

16. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, has adopted and follows the Codes of Ethics established by Catholic Charities USA, the National Association of Social Workers and the American Psychological Association. As an employee of the Agency you are expected to support these codes to the extent doing so is consistent with and allowed by applicable law.