SOCIAL WORKER / BENEFITS COORDINATOR SYRACUSE

Key Job Elements

• Provide case management for CABVI Employees and consumers – complete intakes, secure appropriate funding sources, coordinate all rehab services and ensure a smooth transition to community-based services.
• Aid employees and potential employees in areas of benefit counseling and housing, community resources and programs, access to agency services, and other consumer needs as identified.
• Ensure ongoing communication with the CABVI team.
• Provide benefit counseling and advocacy services.
• Complete Baseline Assessments and Social Casework Level 1 services for the NY State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB).
• Recommend appropriate services once the assessment is completed – explore entitlement assistance, housing opportunities, and provide social casework as needed for NYSCB Adaptive Living Program (ALP) consumers.
• Consult with related professionals and refer to community-based services as necessary.
• Educate CABVI visually impaired employees about the potential impact employment may have on benefits – teach income reporting, tracking work related expenses, communicate with Social Security, maintain financial records, and document income.
• Advocate for employees and provide training and information to CABVI management.
• Participate in rehabilitation of youth and adult development activities including adaptive sports and recreation and youth residential programs.
• Work with SW Supervisor to ensure timely submittal and accuracy in reporting of all required documentation and reports.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely manner; ensure QA/HIPAA compliance.
• Maintain and update backup documentation, complete required filing, and work as liaison with Payroll.

Computer/Technical Skills

• Knowledgeable regarding databases and spreadsheets.
• Excellent mathematical skills and ability to interpret specifications.
• Willingness to learn new technology.

Communication Skills

• Skillful in presenting information and responding to questions from a wide variety of constituencies.
• Effective writing skills – write objectives, proposals, plans, reports, and general correspondence.
• Excellent listening skills and ability to clearly articulate in all situations.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Quick and appropriate reaction to difficult situations.
• Coordination of multiple tasks and resolution of issues.
• Patient and empathetic nature.
• Maintain strict adherence to CABVI’s mission statement and core values.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand and walk.
• Regularly required to sit for periods of time at computer terminal.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop; kneel or crawl.
• Vision abilities include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to speak and hear.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key job elements.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social work required with a minimum of two years’ experience in human services.
• Knowledge of social security and other financial aid programs, such as HEAP and SNAP are helpful.
• Must meet the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, Department of Special Education and the Department of Health personnel standards.
• Experienced with visually impaired population a plus.

Pay

Full-time $26.67/hour

Schedule

Travel within the counties we serve will be required, as needed. Noise level is moderate. Must be available for evening or weekend agency related functions, which may be outside of the agency.

Benefits

CABVI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.