Specialist | Entitlement

Purpose

The Jewish Board’s Adult Residential Division supports adults with serious and persistent mental illness to live in the community with as much independence as possible. Using a non‑judgmental, harm‑reduction approach, staff model and guide residents to create and meet personalized recovery goals, develop independent living skills, and live in a healthy and secure manner. The work is guided by principles that underscore the critical importance of stable housing, use a culturally competent and anti‑racist lens, and respect the dignity and legitimacy of each individual’s journey.

Position Overview

Under the supervision and direction of the Program Director, the Entitlements Specialist is responsible for the procurement and maintenance of client benefits. This includes monitoring all client SSA and PA benefits to ensure certification requirements are addressed expeditiously and benefits are consistently maintained, tracking program fee or rental disbursements across various residential programs, monitoring Medicaid payments to Apartment Treatment Programs, and coordinating overall benefits. The role develops and maintains relationships with the Human Resources Administration and Social Security Administration to advocate for clients and secure appropriate services. The ideal candidate possesses excellent casework, administrative, and analytical skills, intermediate to expert computer proficiency, strong organization, and multitasking ability.

Key Essential Functions

• Ensure all SSI renewals are handled timely and accurately.
• Ensure Medicaid benefits are intact and maintained for residents.
• Provide requested materials and work closely with auditors during SSA audits.
• Provide direct service to residents consistent with service plan goals related to benefits.
• Address consumer arrears by initiating reparative processes such as one‑shot deals and other means of collecting funds owed through various agencies.
• Prepare and communicate information to clients and staff regarding benefit programs, procedures, changes to benefits, and address interruptions in benefits with preemptive action.
• Facilitate team meetings and case conferences around entitlements.
• Facilitate consumer/tenant meetings and work with staff to address and resolve entitlements issues.
• Ensure accurate completion of client documentation (from intake to discharge) consistent with HRA, Medicaid, OMH, and JBFCS requirements and guidelines.
• Develop and maintain linkages with community service providers.

Additional Functions

• Conduct staff training and development in the area of entitlements as necessary.
• Conduct regular reviews of client benefits and related documentation and correspondence.
• Maintain relationships with governmental and other agencies within the scope of the entitlements role.
• Submit monthly internal JBFCS reports such as arrears tracking and other related benefits documentation.
• Participate in all meetings, as assigned.
• Work collaboratively as part of a service delivery team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education / Training Required

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services preferred, or high school diploma with at least three years of relevant experience.

Experience

Minimum of three (3) years of entitlements experience, including prior work with adults with mental illness. Ability to work independently on projects and as a team player. Highly organized, meticulous, and detail‑oriented.

Computer Skills

Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Word and Excel. Technologically competent in handling administrative practices.

Visual and Manual Dexterity

As required in a standard office setting. Ability to engage in physical activities with residents, read paper and electronic documents, and perform significant data entry into various computer programs.

Work Environment / Physical Effort

The work environment involves no physical risk or hazardous conditions. The role requires the candidate to sit approximately 90 % of the time and stand about 10 % of the time.

We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.