ERIN KECK

Public Benefits Assistant

As ELET’s Public Benefits Assistant, Erin works closely with Public Benefits Specialist Hailey to help clients qualify and apply for public benefits such as TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid program) and VA Aid and Attendance.  Erin assesses clients’ resources, collects extensive documentation, researches old policies to determine their value, assembles benefits applications packets, and coaches clients through the process of gathering all the information they need to submit successful applications.  Often she is doing all of this under tight time constraints because of clients’ urgent needs to qualify for the programs that will pay for their care.  Erin’s analytical and organized nature make her well-suited to the technical challenges of this position.  But beyond that, her compassion for her clients helps soothe frayed nerves so that they can get back to focusing on their family.  As an early childhood educator of many years, she has great patience and a talent for connecting with the individual and the family so that she can accurately represent and advocate for their best interest.  She brings this person-centered approach to her work with elder clients and their family members at ELET.

Education:

Pellissippi State Technical Community College, AAS in Business and Accounting, 2019

What is the problem you are best at solving for your clients?

I help ease the stress and anxiety felt by clients and their families by simplifying and clarifying a complex process for them.  I make sure they know they have a strong advocate in their corner so that they can rest easy.

What excites you about your work and the contribution you make to the ELET team?

I am excited to use my organized and detail-oriented personality to benefit our clients and my ELET teammates. Public benefits work requires careful attention to detail and tenacious information-gathering.  It can be challenging, but I think I have the right analytical personality and skill set for the job!

What do you love most about ELET?

My coworkers really care about their clients and each other. I felt welcome and like part of the team from day one. Every day I learn something new about legal and public benefits strategies and the needs and concerns of aging adults and their family caregivers. I am excited by all the wonderful opportunities for personal and professional growth – and the chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives at the same time.

Where can we find you when you’re not working?

I spend much of my time hanging out with my daughter, Lily, who is the coolest person I know. I also participate in church activities, especially Justice Knox, teaching Sunday school, and volunteering in various organizations.

Fun facts:  

For 21 years I taught children ages infant to 4 years.  I took Tae Kwon Do when I was a teenager through my early 20’s, and I am/was a red belt.  Also, I really love earthworms – ask me more if you want to know why!