Benefit Advisor

• Location 198
  
  E. 121st Street,5th Floor,New York, NY, 10035,United States
• Base Pay $44,240.56 - $59,930.96 / Year
• Job Category Public Benefits, Case Management, Social Services
• Employee Type Non-Exempt

• Name Lidde Piton
• Email lidde.piton

The Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) is one of New York City’s premier human services organizations, leading the way in innovative solutions to homelessness, poverty, and mental illness. With an annual budget exceeding $100 million and a passionate team of over 700 employees, CUCS empowers thousands of New Yorkers each year through integrated housing, health, and social services.

From supportive housing and mental health care to employment assistance and professional training, CUCS delivers life-changing programs that foster long-term stability and opportunity for the city’s most vulnerable populations. As a recognized leader in the field, we’re expanding our impact—and we’re looking for dedicated professionals to join us.

Under the supervision of Program Management, the Benefit Advisor will provide a comprehensive range of person-centered services to New Yorkers in need, both onsite and virtually. Responsibilities include eligibility screening, application assistance, benefits-related case management, advocacy, referrals, crisis intervention, community outreach, and coordination of care. The scope of responsibilities may vary depending on the program site and operational needs.

You’ll be expected to maintain high standards in line with agency policies, funder guidelines, and management directives—including thorough and timely documentation of all client contacts and services delivered.

For a full scope of the work, see below ( Please note Benefit Advisor responsibilities may vary depending on the program site.):

• Conduct client meetings in person or virtually to assess needs, determine benefit eligibility, and provide ongoing support throughout the benefit application process.
• Utilize approved screening tools to identify all applicable city, state, federal, and private benefits, and assist clients with completing applications, gathering and submitting documentation, and preparing for interviews or appeals.
• Manage an active and fluid caseload in accordance with agency and funder requirements, ensuring timely intake, service delivery, documentation, follow-up, and case closure; meet established productivity and quality benchmarks.
• Track the status of benefit applications using relevant databases and communication channels; proactively intervene to resolve delays, advocate for clients, and initiate appeals or mediation as needed.
• Coordinate referrals to external providers for needs outside the program’s scope, including but not limited to legal services, housing support, food resources, financial counseling, and employment assistance; engage collateral contacts and family members when appropriate.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all agency privacy standards and legal requirements in the handling of sensitive client information and external communications.
• Accurately document all client interactions, services rendered, and outcomes in funder databases and internal tracking systems within required time frames; ensure documentation meets agency, program, and contractual standards.
• Participate in outreach and engagement activities, including in-person or virtual events, community presentations, targeted flyer distribution, promote program services and support client enrollment efforts.
• Monitor service trends, identify barriers to access or engagement, and communicate emerging issues to program leadership in a timely and solutions-oriented manner.
• Attend mandatory trainings and incorporate learned practices into service delivery;…