Benefit Enrollment Specialist, Case Management

Under the direction of the Senior Manager of Public Benefits Partnerships, this role is responsible for supporting case management for the Food Depository and its partners to increase access to SNAP and Medicaid benefits, and working closely with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to ensure eligible individuals are connected to SNAP and Medicaid and able to keep their benefits.

As part of the Food Depository’s efforts to end hunger, the organization works to connect people with public benefits like SNAP, which empowers families to purchase the groceries they need, and Medicaid, which reduces the need to choose between paying for food or medical bills. As we seek to increase the impact of our public benefits outreach work through the Community Benefits Hub, the Specialist will work to increase the impact of agencies, colleges, system partners and other organizations providing SNAP and Medicaid benefits application assistance across Cook County. The Specialist will be responsible for supporting partners by providing public benefits application and policy trainings, case management support, policy updates, technical and marketing support, and implementing a coordinated, data-driven, community-based strategy with the goal of increasing the number of individuals who are able to retain and receive SNAP benefits. In addition, this position will work closely with the team to build and strengthen relationships with local IDHS offices.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Work with Senior Manager of Public Benefits Partnerships to execute strategy on building partner capacity to unlock public benefits in food insecure communities.
• Provide SNAP, Medicaid, WIC policy and case management training, shadowing, and technical assistance to community partners.
• Provide case management application support to neighbors assisted by Food Depository staff and partners. This includes following up with IDHS to help resolve issues like missed interviews, budgeting, wrongful denials, etc.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, system partners, colleges, IDHS, and other organizations in support of public benefit outreach strategy.
• Maintain caseload of neighbors subject to SNAP work requirements and ensure they stay connected to benefits by submitting exemption forms, reporting household changes, reporting proof of work, and scheduling redetermination appointments.
• Ensure applications are processed correctly and timely according to Department of Human Services policies.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with Department of Human Services local offices.
• Submit application inquiries to IDHS on behalf of neighbors assisted by Food Depository staff and partners.
• Provide SNAP and Medicaid application assistance, case management support, education and guidance to neighbors and partners over the phone and in-person.
• Respond to policy and application questions from partners.
• Participate in internal meetings at the Food Depository, as well as meetings at external stakeholders' offices related to local SNAP and Medicaid program developments and issues.

• Perform regular capacity building check-ins with partner organizations to discuss progress and to address successes and challenges, and identify support needed in performing benefits outreach.
• Ensure that partner outreach activities and case management efforts are tracked and recorded as needed for program evaluation and reporting to funding agencies.

• Develop in-depth knowledge of SNAP and Medicaid policy and other benefits programs as assigned and stay informed about policy and procedure changes.
• Participate in internal meetings and meetings related to local SNAP and Medicaid program developments and issues at IDHS offices.
• Other duties, as assigned

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience building, maintaining, and strengthening partnership relationships required.
• Experience working with community organizations in Chicago and/or relevant lived experience.
• Experience giving presentations and facilitating trainings.
• Experience with public benefit programs and their respective policies and/or application processes.
• Competitive candidates will have strong interpersonal skills, including cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and communication styles.
• Excellent project management, time management, and organizational abilities.
• Proficient in MS Office- Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Excel, Teams, and Forms.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered approaches.
• Must have a car, driver’s license and valid insurance.

Exposure

• Interacts with Food Depository staff, donors, vendors, member agencies, general public.
• Hybrid work environment – minimum 3 days in office.
• Partner meetings and trainings at community locations throughout Cook County.
• Typical office environment, as well as out of office meetings and events.
• Some exposure to warehouse environment.
• Some travel within the City of Chicago and Cook County suburbs required.

Benefits: • Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage

• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• On-site gym
• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
• $250 employee referral bonus