Employment and Entitlement Specialist

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Team Leader and Director of Social Services

Location: Queens, NY

Status & Hours: Full-time, five days a week. The schedule may include a weekend day and/or weekend shift. The schedule will be discussed during the interview process and upon hire. Flexible hours are required.

Who We Are

Lantern Community Services helps New Yorkers impacted by homelessness move from surviving to thriving by pairing safe, supportive housing with wraparound services that build lasting stability and independence. Lantern was recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York.

About the Role

The Shelter Entitlement and Employment Specialist provides comprehensive benefits and employment support to residents of Laurell, Lantern's men's shelter in Ozone Park, Queens. This role focuses on assessing resident needs, securing and maintaining government benefits, and promoting vocational training and employment as pathways to housing stability and independence. The ideal candidate is resourceful, knowledgeable in entitlement programs and workforce development, and committed to empowering residents to achieve self-sufficiency.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Conduct comprehensive entitlement assessments to identify all applicable federal, state, and city benefits available to shelter residents.
• Assist residents in applying for, obtaining, and maintaining government benefits, including Public Assistance, Medicaid, food stamps, and Social Security.
• Support residents in securing required identification documents, including Social Security cards and birth certificates.
• Accompany residents to government and city agencies, including the Social Security Administration, HRA, and Medicaid offices, as needed.
• Process appeals, advocate on behalf of residents, and pursue available legal channels to obtain benefits for those who have been denied.
• Develop and facilitate training workshops for residents and staff on federal and New York City benefit regulations and laws.
• Provide individualized and group-based job readiness instruction, including resume writing, interview preparation, and online application skills.
• Assist residents in accessing formal education and vocational training opportunities, including TASC preparation, college enrollment, and technical training programs.
• Provide job development and placement support, including job search assistance, benefits counseling, and employer advocacy.
• Educate residents on job retention strategies, workplace accommodation rights, disclosure considerations, and the impact of earned income on benefits.
• Coordinate with case managers and interdisciplinary team members to align services and support residents in achieving their education, employment, and housing goals.
• Maintain accurate and confidential resident records in compliance with documentation standards.
• Complete reports and other administrative tasks as directed by the Supervisor.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) year of experience providing entitlement, employment, or workforce development services.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by homelessness, mental illness, or substance use required.
• Knowledge of federal and New York City benefit programs, including Public Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a diverse caseload.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to work under pressure, including in crisis situations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Work Environment: This position operates in a homeless shelter in Queens, and works with individuals who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic health conditions.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs, and/or kneel. Occasionally, the employee may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Note: Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Lantern values the diversity of our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners, and is committed to building inclusive, vibrant, and just communities.