Community Resources Specialist

The Community Resources Specialist on the NYCBenefits team is instrumental in supporting immigrant New Yorkers and low-income adults. The role encompasses guiding these community members through the intricacies of public benefits programs such as SNAP, One-Shot Deals, Cash Assistance, and more. The Community Resources Specialist will also ensure clients are connected to a broader array of services offered by Sunnyside Community Services (SCS), including internal referrals to Adult & Immigrant Services and diverse SCS programs like home care, senior caregiving, and after-school programming for their family members.

This position is key to building a comprehensive support network that addresses the multifaceted needs of SCS clients in a holistic and empathetic manner.

• Engage immigrant New Yorkers and low-income adults in one-on-one sessions to identify their unique needs and create tailored support plans.
• Manage a growing caseload of clients by monitoring clients’ application status as well as economic and other factors to provide ongoing application support or suggest additional interventions.
• Increase caseload by 20 new clients each month
• Guide clients through the NYCBenefits screening, application, and appeals process.
• Advocate with city agencies on behalf of clients to ensure access to eligible benefits.
• Maintain regular communication with clients about their benefits application progress and assist with recertifications.
• Facilitate internal referrals to other Adult & Immigrant Services and SCS programs, such as home care, senior caregiving, and after-school programs for clients’ family members.

• Collect, maintain, and manage comprehensive electronic files and programmatic data using internal databases.
• Document detailed case notes and track participant demographics and assessments.
• Assist the Program Director with report preparation and data analysis for program evaluation and improvement.

• Participate in focus groups and support sessions for clients under the guidance of the Program Director.
• Engage in advocacy efforts relevant to the needs of our participants, including rallies, phone banking, and campaign activities.

• Perform other related duties as needed to enhance the effectiveness of the NYCBenefits team and the SCS mission.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, plus 2-3 years relevant experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication.
• Flexibility, patience, resourcefulness, a willingness to learn, and an ability to work independently and creatively.

Schedule: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Salary: $52,000 – $55,000
Reports to: Program Director, Community Resources

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Flexible spending account and transit checks
• Employee Assistance Program
• 20 paid vacation days and 12 paid sick days per year
• 12 paid holidays
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability

All positions at Sunnyside Community Services are filled without regard to race/color, religion/creed, national origin, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy-related condition or lactation, military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, height, weight, status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/ sex offenses, predisposing genetic characteristic, immigration or citizenship status, prior arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, unemployment status, pre-employment marijuana testing, union…