Volunteer
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers Assisting Seniors is THE SOURCE in Eastern Nebraska for Medicare information and Homestead Exemption assistance. Our SHIP-trained counselors are trusted advocates who provide free, unbiased, and confidential Medicare information while educating our clients on ways to identify and report possible Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse. Our Homestead Exemption counselors assist qualified individuals to apply for property tax relief in Nebraska.
What’s Required?
- Medicare (SHIP) volunteer training includes both online and in person training. All counselors complete certification to ensure they have the knowledge to educate Medicare beneficiaries.
- Homestead Exemption volunteers complete a half day training each year to ensure they know all of the current year’s Homestead requirements.
- All volunteers must pass a background check. Licensed insurance agents and individuals working for an insurance company will not qualify to volunteer in Medicare programs.
Volunteer Roles:
Certified Medicare Counselor
Meets with New to Medicare clients to answer Medicare questions and help to identify potential fraud or abuse.
This is a SHIP-trained role as a Comprehensive Medicare Counselor.
Medicare Open Enrollment Counseling
Certified counselors assist in comparing Part D Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Advantage Plans to help find the best option during Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment (October 15-December 7).
This is a SHIP-trained role as a Medicare Plan Navigator.
Medicare Education
Present Medicare information to community groups. Work with community partners to educate staff and clients on our programs.
Roles include:
- Speaker’s Bureau
- Employer Outreach
- Pharmacy Outreach
- Community Outreach
This is a SHIP-trained role as a minimum of Community Engagement Ambassador.
Medicare Fraud Warrior
Specially trained Medicare counselors assist in gathering information and submitting reposts to Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and present information about Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse to public groups and organizations.
This is a SHIP-trained role as a Comprehensive Medicare Counselor.
Office Support
Assist in answering phones, scheduling appointments, and completing data entry.
This is a SHIP-trained role as a Community Engagement Ambassador.
Homestead Exemption Application Assistance
Trained counselors assist qualified individuals with their Nebraska Homestead Exemption applications, relieving them from some or all of their property taxes. Counseling takes place annually between March 15-June 30. Must be able to use a calculator and be good with numbers.
Training is facilitated by the Douglas County Assessor’s office.
How to apply*:
*Volunteer applications are accepted from January to May each year.
Please fill out the following documents:
Email completed application documents to karen@vas-nebraska.org
or drop-off/mail to:
Volunteers Assisting Seniors
900 S 74th Plaza, Suite 403
Omaha, NE 68114