Benefits Enrollment Specialist

General Description:

The Food Depository’s Benefits Enrollment Specialist primary responsibility is connecting neighbors with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as well as educating and connecting neighbors to other critical resources, including Medicaid and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Women (WIC). Activities include pre-screening for eligibility, application assistance, information dissemination, training, referral support, data tracking. This position will educate neighbors and providers on public benefits eligibility, policy and support the application process over the phone and in-person. The Benefits Enrollment Specialist will train partners on SNAP and Medicaid policy and the application process.

This position will collaborate with the Manager of Public Benefits, other departments and external partners to develop and implement strategies that increase enrollment in critical safety benefits.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Assist neighbors over the phone and in person at partner locations throughout Cook County with completing SNAP and Medicaid applications.
• Provide education to neighbors about the programs they may be eligible for and the follow-up with the support needed to successfully enroll.
• Provide administrative support for the submission of benefits applications and supporting documentation.
• Provide case application support for neighbors as needed and inquire with Illinois Department of Human services (IDHS) about client’s applications as needed.
• Maintain accurate case files and client records.
• Track the number of applications, case management requests, events, and partner interactions.
• Share neighbor's trends such as enrollment barriers, stories, case management needs so other departments can identify potential policy solutions and raise their voices in advocacy.
• Connect, screen and refer neighbors to other stabilizing resources and services, such as WIC, Medicaid, emergency financial assistance, food pantries, and employment services.
• Develop and maintain relationships with IDHS offices.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of SNAP and Medicaid programs and other programs as assigned and stay informed about policy and procedure changes.
• Participate in internal meetings at the Food Depository, as well as meetings at IDHS offices related to local SNAP and Medicaid program developments and issues.
• Ensure that outreach activities are tracked and recorded as needed for program evaluation and reporting to funding agencies.
• Provide training and technical assistance to partner sites – may include training on SNAP, WIC, Medicaid and case management.
• Develop training and presentation materials for partner agencies.
• Provide presentations to neighbors and/or partner agencies.
• Schedule in-person enrollment opportunities as assigned and in alignment with other departments.
• Collaborate with other departments to stay up to date on public benefit policy changes, identify potential events and partners.
• Demonstrate willingness and ability to work with challenging callers.
• Respect and maintain client confidentiality.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience providing direct service to individuals and families.
• Experience with public benefit programs and their respective application processes is preferred.
• Familiarity with Chicago North/Northwest or South/Southwest. History of living or working in these neighborhoods.
• Competitive candidates will have strong interpersonal skills, excellent project management, and good organizational abilities.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• 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. Occasional weekend or evenings required based on community events scheduled
• In-person enrollment event at community locations throughout Cook County.
• Typical office environment, as well as out of office events.
• Some exposure to warehouse environment.
• Travel within the city of Chicago and Cook County suburbs required. Personal vehicle is 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