SHIP Coordinator

The Coordinator for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the program and management of the SHIP grant. The SHIP Coordinator provides specialized counseling to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and coordinates trained volunteers who provide counseling as well. The Coordinator will also be expected to complete SHIP Certification Training as soon as possible after accepting the position as Coordinator.

This role ensures smooth daily operations by coordinating client requests with the volunteer schedule.

The position requires excellent communication skills, maintaining records and reporting, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

Essential Functions

• Managing client requests, including:

  • Receiving or delegating the receipt of requests for services and assigning clients to counselors according to an agreed-upon schedule.
  • Maintaining coverage for SHIP calls from clients during normal business hours.
  • Maintaining accurate and confidential client records. Pursuing a mastery of Medicare and Medicaid policies through continuous training opportunities.

• Managing Volunteer Counselors, including:

  • Recruiting and Screening of New Counselors
  • Meeting with counselors periodically to review problems encountered by counselors and address other issues of concern with the counselors Monitor counselors to ensure counselors submitting client reports

• Maintaining communication with the NJ Division of Aging Services (DoAS) concerning the Program’s operation including:

  • Ensuring emails from the NJ SHIP Program Director are delivered and explained to counselors in a timely manner.
  • Submitting other reports or feedback as requested by the NJ SHIP Program Director, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), or U.S Administration for Community Living;
  • Coordinate meetings for State trainings and for volunteer counselor appreciation event

• Managing the SHIP Grant including:

  • Annual submission of SHIP Grant application and Prepare Proposed Activities and other necessary documents for grant application on SAGE system to submit to NJ DHS each February.
  • Submitting required Quarterly Performance/Progress Reports and End of Year Progress Report in April to NJ SHIP via the SAGE system (System for Administrating Grants Electronically)
  • Maintaining separate financial records for SHIP.
  • Entering, or delegating the entry of data from above forms at the end of each month into the program website https://stars.acl.gov

• Promote Public Awareness of SHIP including

  • Ensure that SHIP services are publicized to Medicare beneficiaries
  • Maintain contact with community partners, including distributing literature and speaking at public gatherings to promote SHIP.
  • At least annually, analyze provision of services throughout the county to determine geographic areas and populations that are underserved.
  • Develop a plan to address these needs through efforts such as adding counseling sites, recruiting bilingual counselors, or partnering with faith-based or ethnic organizations. Host at least one Medicare Outreach and Enrollment Event between October 1 and December 1 of each year.

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, communications, social work, education, or related field.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• High level of computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office and internet navigation.
• Experience with healthcare, insurance, and engaging with seniors and people with disabilities.
• Proficiency with office software (Microsoft Office, email systems, databases).
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills Valid NJ driver's license.

Preferred

• Prior SHIP certification
• Experience in customer service and volunteer service.
• Experience with Medicare & Medicaid Experience with public speaking

Salary/Pay Rate: $26/hour

Part-Time: 25 hours/week