Advocacy and Benefit Specialist

Overview Incumbents are responsible for providing advocacy services to older adults, which may include providing information and referral, processing benefit applications, conducting home visits, preparing reports, selling taxi coupons, monitoring follow-ups, and performing related duties. Responsibilities Provides advocacy services to older adults in a comprehensive and timely manner, including: information and referral to services and programs; thorough assessments and benefits screenings; home visits and wellness checks; and/or related duties. Evaluate needs and provide resources, including but not limited to: financial stability, legal issues, mental health issues, health care, etc. Assist clients in navigating complex benefits and healthcare systems. Acts as a client advocate in issues related to insurance coverage, financial assistance, and benefit access. As a certified SHINE Counselor, provide full scope assistance related to Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D; Medigap insurance, Medicare HMOs, retiree insurance plans, prescription drug programs, Medicaid, and other programs for people with limited resources. As a SNAP outreach partner, provide full scope assistance related to completing SNAP applications and recertifications. As mandated reporters, collaborate with Protective Services on cases related to abuse, self-neglect, and financial exploitation, etc. Responds to emergency crisis situations related to health and safety. Sells and manages assigned taxi coupon booklets and associated cash. Gathers relevant information and processes applications. Effectively communicates information about Elderly Commission programs and services through community outreach, engagement, and presentations. Prepares, maintains, updates, and compiles a variety of operational and statistical data, records, reports, and files. Meets deadlines and reporting expectations. Provides office coverage to include: answering phones, assisting walk-ins, etc. Provides on-call coverage for the Age Strong Commission. Provides timely follow-up to effectuate service into resolution. Conducts all interactions in a positive and professional manner. Performs related work as required. Minimum Entrance Qualifications Minimum three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the support of human services programs, including case management services and assessment preferred. A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is highly preferred. Certification, training, or formal education in counseling and/or case management, substance abuse, and mental health preferred. Alliance of Information and Referral Services (AIRS) Certificate preferred. Serving the Health and Information Needs of Everyone (SHINE) certification is highly preferred. Must be able to obtain and/or maintain certification within one (1) year of employment. Familiarity with health insurance and government benefits is highly preferred. Experience and comfort level delivering services to a multiracial, multicultural, and multilingual population experiencing complex challenges, including addiction and untreated or under-treated mental health concerns. Ability to give team feedback; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to build and maintain relationships with government agencies, social service agencies, community organizations, and older adults is highly preferred. Ability to set and maintain personal and professional boundaries and confidentiality. Strong presentation and advocacy skills. Strong problem-solving ability. Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports. Demonstrates proper use of databases and other tools to ensure citizens are provided with all available services. Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job. Experience in typical office software systems (Microsoft Office and Google Suite) preferred. Bilingual (Spanish, Haitian Creole, CaboVerdean Creole, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or Mandarin) preferred. MA Driver’s License preferred. Travel throughout Boston is required in support of the position’s responsibilities. Flexible schedule, as some nights and weekends are required. City Of Boston Residency Required Subject to CORI check Terms Union/Salary Grade/Salary Plan: SEIU/RL-14 Hours Per Week: 35 #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Boston