Income & Benefits Specialist

Responsibilities

• Supports clients throughout their benefits enrollment process and managing income secured through employment.
• 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 on each client enrolled and updates budget every 30 days or as needed until client discharges from 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.
• Captures and documents services provided, establishes organized program file structure, client database, and assessment process for income and benefits services.
• 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.
• Works under general supervision or independently.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or other related social service field required.
• 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.
• Strong communication skills, listening, and positive interpersonal skills.
• 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.