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 progressConducts initial screenings to determine eligibility, schedules appointments, and provides assistance to clients to complete benefits enrollmentPrepares 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 programDetermines appropriateness of referral and client eligibility to benefit from community/mainstream resourcesCoaches clients about benefits and income optionsIdentifies and utilizes community resources to meet client needsCoordinates, advocates on clients’ behalf, and follows up with the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, State Welfare programs, etc., to assist with securing mainstream benefitsCoordinates with case management to document services and establish organized program file structure, client database, and assessment process for income and benefits servicesProvides monthly service reports of statistics and outcomesMaintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships with staff of community agencies to obtain resources for clientsFacilitates classes/groups on budgeting, benefits resources, etc. Participates and attends on/off site staff and community meetingsRelies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals Works under general supervision or independently Performs other duties as assigned Qualifications 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 degreeMinimum 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 hireEffective communication skills, listening, and positive interpersonal skills Ability to work collaboratively with others in a teamwork environmentEffective time management and organizational skillsProven experience and ability to work in a team-based environmentAbility to maintain a professional partnership with other community organizationsValid driver’s license required. Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course