Become a counselor

What we do

Our program's success is built on a statewide network of certified Medicare counselors who volunteer their time. Counselors help people in their community understand their Medicare insurance choices and their rights. They do this by offering one-on-one counseling, classes, and referrals.

Counselors report to a volunteer coordinator in their sponsoring organization.

Good counselors

• Enjoy helping others
• Are reliable, empathetic, patient, and kind
• Communicate well
• Protect client confidentiality
• Have no conflict of interest
• Want to provide SHIBA services
• Have computer skills or are willing to learn
• Work well alone and in a team

Duties

• Complete the process to become a SHIBA counselor. This includes an application, screening, training, and internship. Counselors maintain certification by annually completing 12 continuing education hours.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information.
• Provide one-on-one health insurance assistance at a sponsor site, in clients' homes, or by phone.
• Evaluate clients' resources and health care or health insurance needs.
• Complete Client Contact forms online.
• Refer clients to other resources as needed.

Get started

The first step to becoming a SHIBA counselor is to complete the application. You can do this online using the form below. You can also download a printable version of the application and mail it to:

Oregon SHIBA

PO Box 14480

Salem, OR 97309-0405

After reviewing your application, a SHIBA staff member will contact you. You should receive a reply within five to seven business days. For more information before completing the application, email SHIBA.Oregon@oregon.gov.