Guardianship Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

JFCS Pittsburgh  

Since 1937, JFCS Pittsburgh has been pushing what’s possible in human services—combining compassion, innovation, and a relentless commitment to dignity and justice. We partner with people across the region to navigate life’s changes and challenges, ensuring that no neighbor has to navigate these difficulties alone.    

We proudly serve job seekers, refugees and immigrants, individuals with disabilities, people experiencing food insecurity, those seeking mental health support, youth, and older adults. Through meaningful support and compassionate care, our goal is to help every person feel valued, empowered, and able to reach their full potential.   

At JFCS, your work matters. You’ll join a team of passionate problem‑solvers and strategic thinkers who care deeply about people and aren’t afraid to rethink the way support is delivered. Here, creativity is encouraged, compassion drives every decision, and your impact is felt immediately in the community.   

If you want your work to spark purpose, connection, and meaningful change—JFCS is where you can make it happen. 

Positions Summary  

This position is responsible for the maintenance of guardianship consumers’ bank accounts, with adherence to asset limits, burials accounts, and bank accounts. The position is responsible for estate reporting, benefits applications and providing aid to case managers. Duties include balancing accounts, completing accounting reports for Guardian of Estate reporting, social security reporting, VA reporting, audit reviews and fiscal reports, as well as following up on all necessary financial information needed for the clients benefits. Position will also be responsible for interfacing with referring agencies and completing intake assessments of all new wards. Case management assistance as required. 

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Assist with all aspects of fiscal management of client accounts: data entry, periodic reports, reconciliation of bank statements, opening and managing client bank accounts, making various payments, reporting on accounts to supervisor and alerting of any irregularities. 
• Work directly with our attorney on Estate reports and documentation needed.   
• Intake paperwork

• Applications and ongoing maintenance of benefits

• Participate in training and development activities including those designed to improve responsiveness to the clients served and/or increased cultural awareness and those suggested in supervision. 

• Complete banking and purchasing of monthly food cards and bus passes, and various other items for clients 

• Travel to various facilities to make deliveries, assist with routine tasks on behalf of clients or conduct routine visits to check in on clients as needed 
• Communicate on behalf of clients to insurance agencies, physician’s offices and financial institutions regarding client benefits. 
• Provide case management services on behalf of the client such as completing applications for benefits such as Social Security Disability or SSI, rent rebate forms; investigating medical insurance alternatives.  

• Will conduct research necessary to complete an appropriate burial plan.   

• Create debt repayment plans on behalf of client. 

• Initiate or respond to telephone contacts with bill collectors or parties owed money. Send letters as needed informing potential creditors of wards financial status. 
• Complete banking tasks such as obtaining cash for allowances, accomplishing immediate, non-routine check writing. Close prior bank accounts and create new ones as needed; change signature cards as needed.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Must be able to pass FBI and PA State Police background checks
• Experience with fiscal responsibilities connected with the role of Guardianship of Estate, MA/SSDI/I/VA benefit applications, estate bank accounts, as well as representative payee.   

• Must have good communication skills as the position requires interfacing with referring agencies to do intakes.  

• Must be skilled in spreadsheets, Microsoft Office, and have a demonstrated ability to maintain detailed electronic records.  
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to clients with special needs, including cultural awareness of the client population.  
• Additional duties include bill pay for all representative payee clients and other fiscal responsibilities as necessary.  

• Reliable vehicle for work related travel is required.