Benefit Specialist - Community Guardianship Program

Position Summary: Ensures all client benefits and housing situations are optimal, all benefits are applied for and received, all leases are signed and up to date, assists social work staff in finding alternative housing when necessary, and serves as a liaison with city, state, and federal agencies on behalf of program.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Secure rental and housing information, contact landlords, and review and signs leases.  Arrange for housing appraisals, homeowner’s insurance, and real property filing at court.
• Prepare inventory of valuables in client homes when requested. 
• Arrange for necessary repairs and Section 8 inspections.
• Work with utility companies to resolve any issues with utilities such as electric, gas and cable. Create new utility accounts and/or close out accounts when requested.
• Contact all income sources for new clients (i.e. social security, pensions, SSI, VA) and submit applications necessary to collect income.
•  Obtain copies of marriage certificates, death certificates or any other documentation required for benefits.
•  Prepare and coordinate applications for entitlements, such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, Social Security, CityFHEPS, Medicare, Section 8, HEAP and others and deliver in person when required.
• Monitor eviction proceedings.  Work with social workers to prepare for eviction by assisting with moving client household goods,and arrange for movers and appropriate storage spaces.  Coordinate with Fiscal staff to have new utilities turned on and old utilities turned off.
• Apply for, and follow up on, Income Maintenance (IM) grants. 
• Pick up checks and deliver them to the appropriate party.
• Ensure all activity done on behalf of clients are recorded in the appropriate client file.
• Adhere to organization’s standards by completing annual mandatory trainings in a timely manner on topics including – but not limited to – Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, IT Security Awareness, Compliance, OSHA, HIPAA and any other training the organization may deem necessary in regard to regulatory compliance or good business practices.
• Supports organization’s mission by striving for excellence in all aspects of their job with a focus on positive interpersonal relationships with co-workers.
• Adheres to the organization’s policy in regard to absenteeism and appearance.

 Salary Range: $20 - $22.50 per hour commensurate with experience.

Job Competencies & Minimum Qualifications:

• HS Diploma/GED required; Bachelors preferred; experience accepted as substitute
• 1-2 years of work experience in an office setting or field.
• Computer literate
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Able to multi-task and work independently with great attention to detail

Working Conditions/Physical Demand:

• Business office environment with phone and computer use.
• Ability to travel in the field.