Client Benefits Specialist

About the role

Samaritan Daytop Village provides life-changing services in mental health, addiction recovery, housing, and more to help individuals and families across New York rebuild their lives. The organization serves over 33,000 clients annually at more than 60 locations throughout the five boroughs, as well as Suffolk, Rockland, Sullivan, Dutchess, Westchester, and Ulster Counties. The Client Benefit Specialist supports one of the OASAS Residential Treatment programs, helping new clients obtain the services and benefits they need while ensuring the agency can bill correctly and on time. The specialist meets with clients within 1–2 days of program admission, checks eligibility for programs such as Medicaid and Social Security, and documents everything in the EHR, Avatar. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are essential while consistently serving each client with care and dignity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and assessments with every newly admitted client within the first 1–2 days, approximately 20–30 new clients monthly
• Gather client information to determine eligibility for benefits and estimated length of stay
• Maintain organized records of client interviews, assessments, and benefit status
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of assessments, services, and benefits in agency systems, including the EHR, Avatar
• Follow up on required paperwork to support benefit applications and re‑certifications
• Clearly communicate with and coordinate with federal, state, and city agencies and community partners to help clients financially access entitled benefits
• Work closely with Directors and Case Managers to monitor clients’ financial needs and ensure services are aligned with available benefits
• Manage a caseload and provide ongoing support to clients regarding their benefits
• Prioritize accuracy and timeliness to ensure the agency can bill correctly and continue providing quality care

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Detail oriented with accurate data entry and documentation skills to support billing and compliance
• Empathy and care in working with diverse clients experiencing substance use disorders and mental health challenges
• Ability to work under pressure with high accountability for timely processing of benefits
• Strong time management and organizational skills to manage caseloads and track multiple deadlines
• Basic computer skills with the ability to use the Microsoft Suite and software for documentation such as EHR systems (e.g., Avatar)
• Familiarity with federal and state programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and public assistance programs, preferred
• Experience with case management or client intake preferred

Pay

Hourly rate of $24.72–$27.47 (annualized at 35 hours per week to $45,000–$50,000).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 25 days of paid time off
• Access to a retirement account with an employer match
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule

Full-time, non-exempt, Monday–Friday with some flexibility around standard working hours (e.g., 9 am–5 pm, 8 am–4 pm, or 7 am–3 pm) based on mutual agreement with the manager. In-person role located in Rhinebeck, NY, with the potential to work remotely one day per week after 90 days based on performance and completion of an introductory period.