Regional Social Security Benefits Coordinator

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Job Description - Regional Social Security Benefits Coordinator (2500084Y)

Job Description

Regional Social Security Benefits Coordinator - ( 2500084Y )

Description

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a mission-driven, dynamic, and highly organized individual with experience and knowledge of social security benefits and child disabilities to fill the role of Regional Social Security Benefits Coordinator
. Reporting to the Social Security Benefits Manager, the selected candidate will be responsible for DCF Regional and Area efforts to support applying for, tracking status of applications, and maintaining children’s eligibility for Social Security Administration benefits and other federal benefits (e.g., Veteran’s Benefits, Railroad Benefits, etc.).

The Regional Social Security Benefits Coordinator will act as a consultant to Regional and Area DCF staff to build capacity and expertise in the field related to Social Security and/or other federal benefits received by children in DCF care or custody. The Regional Social Security Benefits Coordinator will also be responsible for helping to identify eligible children and working with area offices to apply for Social Security, track application status, and maintaining Social Security and other federal benefits for children.

PLEASE NOTE: The three (3) positions will cover the following geographical areas of the state:
West - 5 area offices in the Western Region, 5 area offices in the Central Region (Assigned work location: either Springfield or Worcester Regional offices);
South - 8 area offices in the Southern Region, Riverway Area office, and Hyde Park Area office (Assigned work location: either Brockton or Central Office);
North - 7 area offices in the Northern Region, Harbor Area Office and Jackson Square Area Office (Assigned work location: either Lawrence or Central Office). Applicants should indicate their preference on the cover letter.

• Work with the area office staff and designated SSI/RSDI liaisons to ensure screening of children coming into Department care or custody to determine whether they are already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits, or other Federal benefits and/or whether they are potentially eligible for benefits.
• Confirm proper documentation of screening for each youth is present in electronic record meeting initial and annual requirements.
• Work with the area office to determine who should become the Representative Payee when applying for benefits or when children come into care already receiving benefits.
• Work with area offices to apply for and track initial Social Security benefit applications and applications for DCF to become the child’s representative payee. When requested, submit applications to the local Social Security Office and follow up on status as needed on behalf of DCF.
• Receive and track communications from, and ensure response to, the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding youth eligibility, payment amounts, such as over payment notices and notices of benefit denial, reduction, or termination and work with area office staff and legal staff to ensure timely response and/or appeal when needed.
• Ensure completion of periodic Continuing Disability Reviews and Redeterminations for children receiving Social Security benefits in consultation with area office staff.
• Work with the area office staff and designated SSI/RSDI liaisons to ensure SSI-eligible children’s assets do not exceed SSI asset or resource limits. Work with the area office staff and designated SSI/RSDI liaisons to ensure children are aware of and have access to funds in their personal needs allowance accounts and/or ABLE accounts to meet their personal needs and provide guidance to area offices on which expenses can be paid for with PNA/ABLE account funds
• Act as consultant surrounding Social Security benefits, PNA and ABLE accounts, and other transitional information to support clinical teams and work directly with families as…