Benefits Specialist

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for providing direct service, benefits navigation, and care coordination to enrolled participants at Second Chance Center in the City (SCCIC). This role assists participants in identifying, applying for, obtaining, and maintaining eligible community and government assistance programs while also helping participants navigate community resources and systems that support successful re-entry. The Benefits Specialist provides education, advocacy, follow-up, and practical support to help participants understand and effectively utilize available benefits.

The position requires strong participant engagement, collaboration with SCCIC staff, care providers, pretrial and justice-system partners, and community organizations. The Benefits Specialist participates in case staffing, team meetings, outreach, training, and other duties assigned by the Associate Director of SCCIC and plays an integral role in the daily operations and success of SCCIC programs.

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• Assess participants for eligibility and assist them in obtaining and maintaining health care coverage and other community benefits, including but not limited to SNAP, Medicaid, LEAP, RTD LiVE, cash assistance, CCCAP, etc.
• Provide participant-centered benefits navigation, advocacy, education, referrals, and follow-up to reduce barriers to accessing services.
• Collaborate with colleagues, care providers, pretrial and justice-system partners, and community resources to support seamless integration of services for participants.
• Promote a positive, collaborative culture within SCCIC/SCC.
• Meet productivity, documentation, data-entry, and follow-up standards established for the role.

• Conduct interviews with participants to assess benefit literacy, eligibility, utilization, barriers, and ongoing needs, and track outcomes.
• Provide Orientations and/or group activities as assigned.
• Assess participant eligibility for applicable programs, complete appropriate intake and screening activities, and follow through on necessary referrals.
• Assist participants in completing benefits applications, renewals, recertifications, appeals, and supporting documentation accurately and completely.
• Maintain an active caseload (40+) and develop, implement, and update care plans in collaboration with participants and the SCCIC care team.
• Conduct regular in-person and phone check-ins with participants and provide timely follow-up regarding applications, referrals, appointments, and outstanding documentation.
• Use motivational interviewing and other participant-centered engagement techniques to support participants through stages of change and encourage continued engagement in services.
• Accompany participants to benefits-related appointments, court hearings, pretrial appointments, or other scheduled community appointments when appropriate to provide navigation, advocacy, and support.
• Assist participants with community navigation and accessing resources that support stability, successful re-entry, and improved health and well-being.
• Provide resource connection, advocacy, coaching, and practical support to help participants understand and navigate complex service systems.
• Engage in outreach and re-engagement efforts for participants who have lost contact or need additional support connecting to services, using SCC-approved and best-practice methods.
• Build and maintain effective professional relationships with government agencies, benefits offices, health care providers, pretrial services,…