Public Benefits Specialist; JR

Public Benefits Specialist (JR 5392)

Location:

Los Angeles, CA 90004

Salary: $23.24 to $28.28 per hour

Pay Frequency: 24 Pay Periods Per Year

Employment Type:

Full Time, Non-Exempt, Driving Required

We are mission‑driven and values­-focused, helping an average of 23 people per week find a place to live. We advocate for change, champion racial and social justice, and prioritize work/life balance with generous time off, health and wellness benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Since 1984, PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) pioneers bold approaches to assist people experiencing homelessness. PATH operates services across California, guiding clients through prevention, outreach, employment preparation, case management, supportive services, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing.

As part of the Veteran Services team, the Public Benefits Specialist provides targeted support for benefits advocacy to individuals currently or at risk of homelessness. Working alongside a multidisciplinary PATH team and closely with partners, the Specialist provides field‑based, direct client services to ensure the highest possible success rate when submitting benefits applications.

• Participate in street outreach activities to develop relationships and build rapport, connecting clients to long‑term services that help them obtain and maintain permanent housing and improve overall well‑being.
• Receive and accept benefits assistance referrals.
• Initiate and track referral progress throughout service provision.
• Provide strengths‑based coordination services to assist clients with obtaining and maintaining mainstream benefits.
• Provide mobile, field‑based benefit advocacy to ensure the highest success rate for benefits applications: assess eligibility for SSI, SSDI, GA, Cal Fresh, CalWORKS, and other CDSS programs; assist clients with gathering documents; work with previous health and mental‑health providers to obtain records; submit applications; monitor progress; and advocate as needed. Provide referrals to legal providers for appeals.
• Offer supportive services focused on enhancing clients’ ability to independently problem‑solve, use coping skills, and self‑coordinate care.
• Utilize evidence‑based practices such as intensive case management, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Critical Time Intervention, and Housing First.
• Collaborate with outreach staff and partners to ensure successful service coordination that addresses all client needs.
• Maintain documentation standards per program contract, PATH policies, and local, county, state, and federal guidelines: complete intakes, assessments, and service plans; ensure accurate data entry; complete progress notes within 24 hours of contact.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and other confidentiality policies.

• Analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Clear communication skills.
• Creativity and initiative.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving.
• Ethics and professional boundaries.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Two years of experience in healthcare, case management, homeless services, or working with vulnerable populations.
• Lived experience of successful recovery from homelessness, mental health, or substance use challenges.

• One year of experience in healthcare, case management, homeless services, or a related field.

• Employment eligibility verification.
• CPR/First Aid training or ability to obtain it.
• Successfully complete Tuberculosis Test, Background Screening, and Drug Test as a condition of hire.

• Reliable transportation.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proof of insurance and ownership for personal vehicles used during work duties.
• Eligibility for PATH’s insurance coverage.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. PATH does not sponsor or transfer sponsorship of employment visas. PATH will not employ individuals currently receiving services or who have received services within the past two years.

All regular and customary work must be performed within California.…