SHICK Counselor/Volunteer Application Process

Please following the instructions and information in the list below to learn more about becoming a SHICK counselor/volunteer. Click on the blue hyperlinks for more information.

1. Learn more about the SHICK, SMP and MIPPA programs by viewing program websites
2. Complete a SHICK Volunteer Partner Application (required for all applicants for initial training)
3. Complete the application and return to the local SHICK coordinator (find your local coordinator)
4. Coordinator will schedule and conduct an interview for suitability

After a Successful Interview

• Coordinator forwards the application to the State SHICK office.
• Coordinator provides information on the online Pre-Training below.
  
  1. Pre-Training study should begin immediately.
  2. Applicant can also register for Session 1 and Session 2 prior to completing the pre-training
• The State SHICK emails the documents necessary to conduct a background check to the applicant.
  • Applicant completes the required background check forms and emails all required forms to KDADS_Medicare@ks.gov, or
  • Faxes required forms to (785) 296-0256, Attn SHICK Medicare Coordinator, or
  • Mails the background check paperwork to the State SHICK office, 503 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603.
  • Applicant does not need to wait for notification of the background check completion to begin Pre-Training courses.
• State office performs background check. This process may take up to two months.
  • Sponsoring organization and applicant are notified of results.
• Applicant completes online Pre-Training and registers for two 6-hour in-person (face-to-face or videoconference) - Session 1 Initial Training and Session 2 Initial Training
• Once all training is completed, applicant will be certified as a Medicare Grants counselor
• The new counselor should work with their local Coordinator for mentoring and to begin solo counseling with Medicare beneficiaries.

Counselor Initial Training Instructions

Pre-Training Requirements

Online pre-training consists of online training through the SHIP Technical Assistance Center and the SMP Resource Center. Registration for both websites is required.

Applicants may also find the SHICK Counselor Handbook helpful while studying the pre-training courses. It is available as a PDF at the SHICK Counselor Information and Resource Page.

SHIP Technical Assistance Center Training Courses

Counselors will complete the online video courses listed below through the Courses link on the SHIP TA Center Online Counselor Certification Tool (OCCT). The "Test Your Knowledge" quiz must be completed after each course. A passing score is 80%. Applicants do not need a perfect score to pass.

Important Note: Pre-training requirements do not include all video courses found on the SHIP TA Center. Only the courses listed below and on the SHICK Pre-Training Tracking Worksheet are required.

Seat time does not include time to complete the Test Your Knowledge quiz. 

Please download the Pre-Training Tracking Worksheet available here or below to help track your progress on the required pre-training courses.

 In-Person Initial Training

Once all required pre-training courses have been certified, the new applicant is required to attend two scheduled training sessions, either in-person on-site at a selected location or via videoconferencing individually at their home or office.

These in-person Initial Training Courses will be conducted on two consecutive days, with a 6-hour in-person session each day.

• Session 1 SHICK Initial Training - Medicare Basics
• Session 2 SHICK Initial Training - Program Basics

If all pre-training courses are not completed prior to the applicant's scheduled in-person trainings, the applicant will not be eligible to attend the in-person trainings.

The GY2025 training schedule and registration will be available at the SHICK Annual Training Calendar. Select your desired date/location and register for your training dates.

• Pre-Training Tracking Worksheet

Instructions

Ship Technical Assistance Center Registration

To register on the SHIP Technical Assistance Center (SHIP TA Center):

1. Go to portal.shiptacenter.org/Login.aspx.
2. Click on the green Submit request to be a Registered User box.
3. Complete the required information on the Account Sign-up page and click the register box at the bottom.
   1. Select "SHIP Trainee" as your Role.
4. You will receive an email at the email address you entered to confirm that it is a working email.
   1. You must confirm your email address through the link provided in the message.
5. Once you have confirmed your email address, the State SHICK Office will approve your registration. You may begin viewing the video courses through the Training And Certification (OCCT) immediately .

(Registration on the SHIP Technical Assistance Center is available only for SHIP Counselors and SHIP Trainee counselors.)