Client Benefits Specialist

Join to apply for the Client Benefits Specialist role at International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non‑governmental organizations, at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities.

A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions‑driven, passionate change‑maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide for a better future.

The Client Benefits Specialist supports the best possible resettlement and post‑resettlement experience by supporting clients in accessing and maintaining public, nonprofit and private sector benefits. They provide services with a strong emphasis on empowerment through a strengths‑based approach that supports clients to thrive in their community.

• Provide a wide variety of direct client services through a trauma‑informed framework that safeguards and promotes the dignity and self‑determination of clients. Connect clients with IRC and partner resources with a focus on clear and timely communication.
• Work across direct services teams (Casework, Employment, Family Well‑being) to communicate information to clients, advocate on their behalf, and support the coordination of services.
• Provide supplemental support, as needed, to Casework team in preparing initial client applications for local Departments of Social Services to secure benefits including cash assistance (TANF and RCA), SNAP, and Medicaid;
  Social Security Administration (SSI and SSDI), and other related benefits as appropriate.
• Maintain system to remind clients of upcoming required reviews concerning their benefits, and provide additional assistance as needed to complete required documentation to ensure they meet requirements to maintain eligibility. Educate clients needing additional assistance on completing required paperwork to support their ability to independently meet requirements.
• Assist families eligible for Child Care Subsidies to identify appropriate placements and obtain benefits.
• Assist families applying for public housing or housing voucher programs to properly complete applications.
• Assist families to apply for a local Affordable Connectivity Program to obtain low‑cost or free internet and cell phone service with corresponding voice and data plans.
• Coordinate and assure uptake of private sector donation programs such as Door Dash and Lyft vouchers.
• Conduct research into and increase usage of benefits and services not currently offered or inconsistently provided to clients.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local Departments of Social Services and other public and community organizations for client referrals as needed.
• Detail each client interaction in accordance with program requirements. Input client information in database(s) and assist with tracking and reporting as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred.

Work Experience:

• Relevant professional experience in human services, customer service, or work requiring accurate and timely recordkeeping required; minimum of 2 years’ experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred.

Demonstrated Skills &

Competencies:

• Strong commitment to ensuring the success of the IRC mission while adhering to the values of service, accountability, integrity, and equality as defined in the IRC Way.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by IRC’s clients is desired; including Dari, Farsi, and/or Pashto.
• Demonstrated success working and…