Income & Benefits Specialist

Income & Benefits Specialist

The Income & Benefits Specialist reports directly to the Program Coordinator or Clinical Director. This person will support clients throughout their benefits enrollment process and/or managing income secured through employment.  Support includes listening, encouraging, coaching, empowering, and connecting clients to income and benefit resources that meet their individual needs and eligibility requirements.

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Responsibilities

• Responsible for income and benefits services provided to clients, linkage to benefits and other community resources, follow-up of services, and monitoring progress
• Conducts initial screenings to determine eligibility, schedules appointments, and provides assistance to clients to complete benefits enrollment
• Prepares an initial financial budget and income sustainability plan for each client enrolled and updates the budget every 30 days or as needed until the client discharges from the program
• Determines appropriateness of referral and client eligibility to benefit from community/mainstream resources
• Coaches clients about benefits and income options
• Identifies and utilizes community resources to meet client needs
• Coordinates, advocates on clients’ behalf, and follows up with the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, State Welfare programs, etc., to assist with securing mainstream benefits
• Coordinates with case management to document services and establish organized program file structure, client database, and assessment process for income and benefits services
• Provides monthly service reports of statistics and outcomes
• Maintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships with staff of community agencies to obtain resources for clients
• Facilitates classes/groups on budgeting, benefits resources, etc.
• Participates and attends on/off site staff and community meetings
• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals 
• Works under general supervision or independently 
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or other related social service field, preferred.  Two years of experience in related work may substitute for a degree
• Minimum one year of experience in social services or related field required
• Knowledge and familiarity of benefit enrollment process (both VA and civilian benefits)
• Trained in SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) preferred or must be able to complete training within 30 days of hire
• Effective communication skills, listening, and positive interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with others in a teamwork environment
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Proven experience and ability to work in a team-based environment
• Ability to maintain a professional partnership with other community organizations
• Valid driver’s license required.  Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course