Temporary Bilingual Benefit Enrollment & Digital Equity Specialist

Community Economic Defense Project • Colorado Springs, CO

10d • $63,354 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Economic Defense Project (CEDP) is a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to building economic and racial equity by confronting economic abuse and investing in community wealth. Launched in 2020 as the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project, CEDP has expanded its integrated services model to include disaster response, predatory towing, debt collection, benefit access & navigation, long-term rental assistance, and homelessness response. The organization serves over 1,000 people per month, employing a team of housing lawyers, economists, data analysts, policy experts, organizers, and technologists. CEDP's model has been recognized by the White House and HUD as a best practice. The Temporary Benefit Enrollment & Digital Equity Specialist will support clients in accessing critical public benefits such as SSI, SSDI, SNAP, and digital equity tools and services. This role involves providing hands-on, client-centered guidance through complex application processes, coordinating with internal teams, and addressing systemic barriers to resource access. The specialist will play a crucial role in strengthening application outcomes and ensuring clients secure and maintain eligible benefits.

Requirements

• A minimum of one year of experience assisting clients in applying for public benefit programs, with a specific focus on SSI, SSDI, SNAP, and tax benefits.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required.
• Availability for at least 2 in-person days per week at the CEDP Colorado Springs office.
• Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse personal and professional backgrounds with a focus on social, racial justice, and equity.
• A flexible work style that allows for rotation between the CEDP office and community clinics with partner organizations.
• Demonstrated dedication to providing exceptional client service, with a focus on assisting households in need of public benefits.
• Proven ability to test and learn from processes and develop new program procedures in a startup environment that requires rapid adaptation to change with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in managing and organizing sensitive documentation, both medical and household-related, to support benefit applications.
• Strong technical skills, including the ability to navigate an agile environment.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail to manage a caseload.
• Capacity to make referrals to other agencies and organizations to provide clients with supplementary services.
• Eagerness to collaborate with local partners and engage in CEDP's community engagement strategies.
• Strong commitment to empowering clients.
• Ability to navigate complex application processes.
• Candidates must reside in Colorado, ideally within the Colorado Springs area.
• All employees at CEDP & CED Law are expected to maintain current vaccination status in keeping with CDC recommendations.

Nice To Haves

• A social work background is a plus.
• Expertise in the application and enrollment processes for these programs, including the required documentation and eligibility criteria, is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience handling requests for additional information and communication with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-person support at the Colorado Springs CEDP Office at least 2 days a week or as needed.
• Conduct client intake assessments to determine eligibility for internal and external services, including rental assistance, housing counseling, utility assistance, and eviction prevention.
• Provide trauma-informed assessments and individualized benefit planning, assisting clients with SSI, SSDI, SNAP, and related supports.
• Facilitate access for eligible participants in Digital Equity Grant programs to vital digital tools and educational resources, such as cell phones and laptops.
• Guide clients through the full application process, including documentation gathering, submission, and ongoing follow-up.
• Educate clients on eligibility, timelines, and how multiple benefits interact to support overall stability.
• Maintain consistent engagement with clients to ensure progress and prevent application drop-off.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to deliver integrated housing, legal, and financial support.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with benefit agencies to resolve issues, delays, or denials, and connect clients with the Benefits Attorney for legal assistance when applications are denied.
• Document all services and outcomes in HMIS/CRM systems, ensuring compliance and audit readiness.
• Track application statuses, deadlines, and recertifications to prevent interruptions in benefits.
• Stay current on policy changes and contribute to program improvements, SOPs, and quality assurance efforts.
• Ensure equitable, culturally responsive service delivery, including outreach, language access, and support for high-barrier populations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Flexible time off
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Technology stipend of $720 per year
• $2,000 salary differential per year for employees who utilize two languages or more at work (language assessment required)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed