Income & Benefits Specialist

This position reports directly to the Program Coordinator or Clinical Director.  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

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for income and benefits services provided to clients, linkage to benefits and other community resources, follow-up of services, and monitoring progressConducts 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

Requirements:

•  Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or other related social service field preferred.  Two years of experience in related work may substitute for degree.

• 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 driver’s 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.

REV 9.28.17