Tribal Elder Benefit Specialist (EBS)

Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council is a non-profit organization formed by the Native American Tribes of Wisconsin. We serve all WI tribes by providing administration of grant-funded programs either directly or with sub grants. Programs serve a range of functions from Children to Elders. Our Mission is: To Enhance the quality of life for all Native People.

The Elder Benefits Specialist (EBS) for Great Lakes Intertribal Council (GLITC) provides Tribal Elders 55 years of age and older, with information, assistance, and advocacy, in areas of tribal, private and public benefits, housing and consumer issues. The EBS is responsible for coordinating outreach and education to Tribal Elder persons and service providers in the community. The EBS acts as a consultant with an expertise in Tribal Elder benefits. Daily attendance is an essential job function of this position.

 

·           Serve as an advocate for Tribal Elders by assisting with benefit applications and resolution of various issues through direct coordination with tribal, county, state, and federal agencies.

·           Assist clients in completing eligibility forms when client is unable to do so and where no other assistance is available.

·           Assist clients with benefit eligibility for all public and tribal programs and resources.

·           Act as liaison on benefit issues, including recommending changes and submitting complaints to appropriate oversite agency.

·           Coordinate with outside attorney to prepare evidence and briefs for appeals. Attend and provide advocacy for client hearings regarding benefits denial.

·           Provide ongoing support to assist Tribal Elders in all aspects of remaining eligible for benefits.

·           Preserve, protect and expand the rights and benefits of Tribal Elders.

·           Conduct regular on-site visitations to meet with Tribal Elders in a central location or in the home.

·           Complete necessary documentation for all activities to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, policies, and procedures and a complete and accurate client file. Communicate with other agencies as necessary on case progress.

·           Serve as a technical resource for staff and other organizational personnel within the areas of elder and disability benefits as well as to ensure cultural sensitivity.

·           Maintain and update a comprehensive knowledge base of benefit resources from tribal, county, state, and federal agencies. Including health care financing, income maintenance, home and community-based services, consumer finance, and other elder law areas.

·           Network with other professionals in the field and in related fields to increase individual knowledge and understanding of elder issues, various disabilities, and resources available.

·           Provide accurate and timely 100% time reporting to capture matching revenues to support the services.

 

·           Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other health and human services providers and other public and private agencies that may have responsibilities and/or the ability to provide services to Tribal Elders to continuously improve the services provided and develop a strong referral network.

·           Develop and present informational materials for the media, organizations, and general public.

·           Provide public education and/or training on Senior Medicare Patrol, Health Insurance Fraud, issues affecting rights, benefits or entitlements of Tribal Elders.

·           Become State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) certified.

·           Coordinate and make referrals to Judicare Legal Aid Program Attorney, volunteer programs and other agencies as necessary.

·           Assure that all services are delivered in a culturally sensitive manner.

·           Participate on various committees both within and external to the organization as deemed necessary and appropriate to the position. 

·           Attend training sessions and meetings as required.

·           Perform other duties as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.

·           Frequent travel to tribal sites and other offices is required.

·           If work site is not at the central offices for GLITC, travel to the central office will be defined.

This is a full-time salary/exempt opportunity working Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM averaging 40-45 hours per week. Current location is in Lac Du Flambeau, WI – we may consider another tribal office site. Frequent travel will be required. This position has a salary range of $48,000 - $52,000 annually with benefits including Annual/Personal Leave, Holiday Pay, Health, Dental, Life & AD&D, STD and LTD Insurance, FSA and 401(k) Retirement Plan.  Background Check and Drug Screen is required before employment.

Qualifications: An equivalent combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities will be considered. Required: Bachelor’s degree in health and human services or related field and a minimum of one year previous direct or related. Preferred: Experience with a Native American Tribal organization preferred. Individual must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; professional demeanor and appearance; problem solving skills; effective time management; self-motivation skills; work effectively under pressure; ability to build positive work relationships with internal and external customers; ability to interact professionally with a wide variety of people. Individual must be able to apply advanced reasoning skills to problem solving, apply logic in the solving of various computer related issues, and follow routine instructions. Must be able to perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide). Must possess valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation with adequate insurance and ability to travel. Frequent travel is required.

 

To Apply: Preferred method is to apply through the employment section of our website.

**Only the most qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.

 

Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC) is an equal opportunity employer applying Native American Preference as defined in Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 44-66 and 47, and fully subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. It is the policy of GLITC to provide employment, compensation and other benefits related to employment based on qualifications of the job applied for, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, veteran status or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law. As an equal opportunity employer, GLITC intends to comply fully with all federal and state laws and the information requested on this application will not be used for any purpose prohibited by law. Disabled applicants may request a needed accommodation from the representative of the Human Resource Department, PO Box 9 Lac Du Flambeau, WI 54538 or phone (715) 588-1069 or (800) 872-7207