Medicare and Tax Assistance Program (MAP/TAP) Lead

POSTION SUMMARY:

In partnership with the Oklahoma Insurance Department the Medicare Assistance Program at LIFE Senior Services provides unbiased information education counseling and one-on-one assistance to Medicare beneficiaries in northeastern Oklahoma. The Tax Assistance Program at LIFE Senior Services helps eligible seniors 60 and older satisfy their tax responsibilities by providing free basic tax return preparation with electronic filing.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following represents duties performed by the position but is not meant to be all-inclusive nor prevent other duties from being assigned as needed.

Medicare Assistance Program (MAP)/ Tax Assistance Program (TAP)

• Provides accurate and objective counseling relating to Medicare Medicare Part D Medicare supplements Medicare Advantage and other related health coverage plans for Medicare beneficiaries their representatives or persons soon to be eligible for Medicare.
• Assists Medicare beneficiaries with enrolling in Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and in applying for the Low-Income Subsidy
• Screens potential clients for program eligibility to ensure adherence to each programs unique scope of service guidelines.
• Provides training guidance and support for the volunteer teams working with each program.
• Provides assistance to the Program Manager in the collection of data for program reports including effective screening on each contact to ascertain required data collection details and accurate input of data into program reporting tools.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: An associate in a health human services or related field or equivalent experience preferred. Five (5) years professional work experience. Previous experience with Medicare a plus. Experience with Microsoft Office Word Outlook Excel and Internet required.

CERTIFICATION LICENSES REQUIRED TRAINING:

• Training regarding Medicare Medicare Part D the Part D Low-Income Subsidy Medicares SMP program Medicare supplements Medicare Advantage and other related health coverage plans will be provided by LIFE Senior Services and the Oklahoma Insurance Departments Medicare Assistance Program.
• Participation in the 3-day MAP Counselor training is required annually as is the successful completion of the MAP Counselor Certification exam.
• Completion of the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) training is required annually as is the successful completion of the VSC certification test. Although this position will not be required to complete tax returns additional tax law certifications are encouraged to increase knowledge of the tax prep assistance offered by LIFE. All training and support required for additional certifications will be provided.
• Dependable transportation is required. Oklahoma Drivers License and current auto insurance.

SKILLS:

• Self motivated and the desire to continually educate themselves of changes in Medicare rules laws products and plans and the effect of those changes upon the citizens of Oklahoma and those who act as volunteer counselors of the programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients staff volunteers and the community.
• Able to follow oral and written instruction; interpreting and handling routine decisions in accordance with agency policy.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with an emphasis in non-invasive communication skills and techniques with the senior adult population and a basic knowledge of senior adults social needs.
• Provides effective presentations before large and small groups for the MAP
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Positive attitude and professional appearance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products including but not limited to Word Excel Outlook and PowerPoint.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds for office and event work.
• Requires sitting walking standing bending; good hearing and visual capability.