Income & Benefits Specialist

The Income & Benefits Specialist reports directly to the Program Coordinator or Clinical Director. This person will support clients throughout their benefits enrollment process and/or managing income secured through employment. Support includes listening, encouraging, coaching, empowering, and connecting clients to income and benefit resources that meet their individual needs and eligibility requirements. FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Responsibilities Responsible for income and benefits services provided to clients, linkage to benefits and other community resources, follow-up of services, and monitoring progress Conducts initial screenings to determine eligibility, schedules appointments, and provides assistance to clients to complete benefits enrollment Prepares an initial financial budget and income sustainability plan for each client enrolled and updates the budget every 30 days or as needed until the client discharges from the program Determines appropriateness of referral and client eligibility to benefit from community/mainstream resources Coaches clients about benefits and income options Identifies and utilizes community resources to meet client needs Coordinates, advocates on clients’ behalf, and follows up with the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, State Welfare programs, etc., to assist with securing mainstream benefits Coordinates with case management to document services and establish organized program file structure, client database, and assessment process for income and benefits services Provides monthly service reports of statistics and outcomes Maintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships with staff of community agencies to obtain resources for clients Facilitates classes/groups on budgeting, benefits resources, etc. Participates and attends on/off site staff and community meetings Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals Works under general supervision or independently Performs other duties as assigned Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or other related social service field, preferred. Two years of experience in related work may substitute for a degree Minimum one year of experience in social services or related field required Knowledge and familiarity of benefit enrollment process (both VA and civilian benefits) Trained in SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) preferred or must be able to complete training within 30 days of hire Effective communication skills, listening, and positive interpersonal skills Ability to work collaboratively with others in a teamwork environment Effective time management and organizational skills Proven experience and ability to work in a team-based environment Ability to maintain a professional partnership with other community organizations Valid driver’s license required. Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S.VETS