State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor

Easterseals is hiring a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor for our Aging and Disability Resource Center to provide unbiased, person-centered education, advocacy, assistance, and support to NH residents, helping them retain dignity, quality of life, and independence. Support individuals in making informed choices about long-term services and supports and assist with navigating community resources.

About the role

Must be willing to work between the Manchester and Nashua offices.

Schedule

Full time, 40 hours per week; Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. or 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Pay

$21/hour

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one counseling and assistance to individuals and families applying for or receiving benefits under all Medicare programs.
• Deliver counseling via telephone, office appointments, walk-ins, and public education presentations.
• Facilitate outreach activities through discussion and distribution of Medicare-related information and brochures.
• Provide information and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries on applying for State programs to help cover Medicare costs.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the Medicare program, including supplemental insurances, Medicare Advantage Plans, drug coverage, long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare Savings Programs.
• Coordinate exchange of health insurance information between Aging and Disability Resource Center staff, volunteers, state and federal agencies (NH DHHS, CMS, ACL).
• Complete required reports and coordinate record keeping and reporting for the SHIP program as mandated by CMS, ACL, DHHS, and the ADRC contract.
• Ensure all Medicare counseling, outreach, education, and volunteer management activities are entered into mandatory state and federal databases, including tracking, referring, and reporting inquiries and complaints.
• Assist the ADRC Center Manager and DHHS, BAAS SHIP/SMP Director in developing and updating SHIP-related policies and procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date printed materials and resources related to SHIP programs.
• Coordinate with DHHS, BAAS SHIP/SMP Director and Trainer on statewide SHIP/SMP initiatives.
• Assist with office coverage, including answering phones, providing general information and referral counseling, and recording contacts accurately in the mandatory database.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, OR Associate’s Degree with equivalent experience.
• Experience working with older adults and/or adults with disabilities in human services, customer relations, information and referral, or related fields.
• Obtain certification as a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Counselor within one year of hire.
• Obtain Alliance of Information and Referral Services (AIRS) certification within one year.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and/or database applications.
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time, eligible employees, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO) begins accruing on your first day.
• Up to 9 paid holidays annually, plus one floating holiday of your choice. Staff scheduled to work on holidays receive holiday pay.
• 403(b) employer match up to a maximum of 3%.
• Tuition reimbursement after one year of employment.
• Student loan repayment for qualifying degrees after one year of employment.
• Wellness programs: nutritional counseling services, reimbursement for weight loss and tobacco cessation.

Easterseals is a recovery-friendly workplace and a NH Veteran-Friendly Business.