Benefits Specialist

This position reports directly to the Program Coordinator or Director of Behavioral Health. The Income & Benefits Specialist will support clients throughout their benefits enrollment process and/or managing income secured through employment. Support includes listening, encouraging, coaching, empowering, and connecting clients to income and benefit resources that meet their individual needs and eligibility requirements.

Classification:
Non-Exempt

• Responsible for income and benefits services provided to clients, linkage to benefits and other community resources, follow-up of services, and monitoring progress
• Conducts initial screenings to determine eligibility, schedules appointments, and provides assistance to clients to complete benefits enrollment
• Prepares an initial financial budget and income sustainability plan on each client enrolled and updates budget every 30 days or as needed until client discharges from program
• Determines appropriateness of referral and client eligibility to benefit from community/mainstream resources
• Coaches clients about benefits and income options
• Identifies and utilizes community resources to meet client needs
• Coordinates, advocates on clients behalf, and follows up with the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, State Welfare programs, etc. to assist with securing mainstream benefits
• Coordinates with case management to document services and establish organized program file structure, client database, and assessment process for income and benefits services
• Provides monthly service reports of statistics and outcomes
• Maintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships with staff of community agencies to obtain resources for clients
• Facilitates classes/groups on budgeting, benefits resources, etc.
• Participates and attends on/off site staff and community meetings
• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
• Works under general supervision or independently
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or other related social service field required.
• Minimum one year of experience in social services or related field required
• Knowledge and familiarity of benefit enrollment process (both VA and civilian benefits)
• Trained in SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) preferred or must be able to complete training within 30 days of hire
• Strong communication skills, listening, and positive interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with others in a teamwork environment
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Proven experience and ability to work in a team based environment
• Ability to maintain a professional partnership with other community organizations
• Valid drivers license required. Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course.

United States Veterans Initiative is a non-profit organization whose mission is the successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support.