Job Details

The Crawford County Commission on Aging is accepting applications for an Advocacy-Resource Coordinator.

General Description

• To promote and advocate for programs, services and benefits for older adults and veterans.  Assists older adults and veterans in locating, applying for and managing programs, services and benefits.  
• Coordinates Medicare and Medicaid Assistance and MiCafe programs.  Assist in the processing of claims for benefits through the Veterans Administration and State of Michigan.  
• Administers Veterans Trust Fund, the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund and County Veterans Burial Program along with other local programs to assist veterans.  

Essential Duties

• Facilitates ongoing advocacy activities and special events which provide advocacy for older adults and veterans.  Acts as an advocate on behalf of older adults, veterans and their families. Analyzes and interprets new and pending legislation pertaining to older adults and veterans.  
• Collects consumer feedback and recommends changes in legislation and public policy as it relates to older adults and veterans. Solicits feedback from participants at each event to ensure satisfaction and to obtain information for improving repeat events.
• Prepares and cleans up Senior Center space for each activity.  Maintains Senior Center in a clean and orderly fashion. 
• Acts as the Coordinator for the Crawford County Medicare and Medicaid Assistance Program.  
• Becomes a fully trained volunteer who counsels beneficiaries.  
• Attends all meetings and trainings at the regional and state level as required.
• Acts as the Coordinator for the Crawford County MiCafe Program which assists older adults in applying for Food Assistance, Medical Assistance and State Emergency Relief.  
• Becomes a fully trained volunteer who counsels beneficiaries.  
• Attends all meetings and trainings as required.
• Oversees and operates the County's access to Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, the County Soldiers, Sailors Relief Fund and the County Veterans Burial Program.  
• Regularly interviews and assists veterans, their survivors and dependents to secure benefits under programs providing assistance to veterans such as: service connected disability, pension, survivor's pension, death benefits, education, and medical/psychological benefits to include advocating proper treatment.  
• Ensures that requirements and limitations are met and authorizes payment.
• Maintains and monitors the records for these funds. Interviews veterans with medical, psychological and alcohol/drug problems and advises on the availability of treatment and hospitalization, and works in coordination with various agencies to arrange admissions, transportation, and custody in emergency situations.  
• Recruits, trains and manages volunteers to assist with the Medicare and Medicaid Assistance and MiCafe programs.  Screens requests for assistance and makes referrals to volunteers as appropriate.  
• Coordinates volunteer schedules.  
• Provides daily volunteer recognition as work is being done by volunteers.  
• Assists and advises older adults and veterans with various questions, applications or needs which access programs, services and benefits by making home or office visits.  
• Assists with securing necessary supporting documentation to accompany applications.  
• Reviews claim decisions for various public benefits in order to ensure older adults were awarded proper benefits.  Prepares and directs the preparations of appeals.    
• Manages resource information for COA/VSO staff, older adults and veterans containing brochures, applications and other information on all programs available.  
• Stays abreast of services available through community agencies and refers to those agencies as appropriate.
• Coordinates referrals with other COA and VSO staff. Works with other community organizations to foster relationships which strengthen our ability to serve older adults and veterans.
• Represents agency on various community committees/boards such as the Crawford County Collaborative Body.  
• Acts as a liaison with community agencies.
• Prepares and distributes information to the public.  
• Provides materials for the monthly Senior Gazette publication and Veteran Services Office publications.
• Delivers presentations to the greater community on older adults and veterans programs, services and interests.
• Maintains documentation of all activity and special event attendance, volunteer hours and counseling hours.  Prepares quarterly reports on unmet needs.  
• Assists with annual reporting and presentation to the Veterans Affairs Council and County Board of Commissioners.
• Solicits donations from businesses and organizations for sponsorship of programs.
• Maintains participant confidentiality only sharing information with appropriate COA and VSO staff on an as needed basis.
• Keeps Director informed of participant and volunteer concerns as they arise.
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with participants and volunteers.
• Observes safety and security procedures for the protection of employees, participants and volunteers.

Other Job Duties

• Participates in meetings, trainings and conferences outside of normal business hours/days as required.