Benefits Access Specialist, Community Schools

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

1d

About The Position

The Benefits Access Specialist-- Community Schools (BAS - CS) plays an essential role in enhancing the services provided by the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) through its BenePhilly Program for both service providers and low-income families. BAS-CS provides direct services to individuals and families that are enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia's Community Schools through system navigation, application assistance and referrals for public benefits like SNAP, medical assistance, utility assistance and more. The BAS acts as a subject matter expert (SME) on entitlements and benefits programs for Philadelphia residents and establishes, maintains, and shares current information with community partners and clients. BAS develops resources, promotes collaboration and builds partnerships with key stakeholders to assist in outreach recruitment and coordination. In a linchpin position, the BAS-CS works with the BenePhilly and Community Partners to achieve community and family goals. The position is grant funded until June 30, 2026, with the potential to renew annually by the funder. CEO will give the employee notice of position continuation before contract expires.

Requirements

• Candidate must have at least 3-5 years working in social services or related field.
• Must have some understanding of public benefits and role of government in administering benefits programs.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ancillary software.
• Must have valid PA driver’s license.
• Creative, motivated, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• The ability to work alone and in a team setting; excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication, critical thinking and problem skills, comfort using technology
• Comfort working in diverse environments and with diverse clients (including families, ex-offenders, individuals with behavioral/mental health and or substance abuse issues, people experiencing homelessness, etc.).
• The ability to maintain confidentiality.
• The ability to occasionally work nights and weekends.
• Candidate must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
• Regular, predictable attendance is required.
• This position operates in an office setting and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• Exertion of physical strength to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 10 pounds. Work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.
• Routine travel with in the City of Philadelphia to meet clients in community settings.

Nice To Haves

• Bi-lingual is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide superior services that demonstrate the responsiveness of the office to community needs, providing enhanced visibility, and positive impact.
• Document services provided and track clients’ progress to maximize impact and create an auditable paper trail to demonstrate the quality and impact of services.
• Engage in direct family outreach for Community Schools clients to schedule benefits screening. Work at various school district campuses and partnered site locations to reach clients.
• Interview clients to establish their needs and to determine their eligibility for benefits and entitlement programs. Answer consumer questions about entitlement programs, eligibility, and application procedures. Interpret and explain information such as eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods, and applicants' rights.
• Assist clients in preparing applications and forms for public benefits and when appropriate refer applicants to other agencies for access to resources. Document and evaluate personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status.
• Follow-up with clients to obtain needed documentation to complete their application and provide support to address obstacles to successful benefits enrollment.
• Collect information from clients to identify and report on the outcomes of the services rendered.
• Work with supervisor to assess challenges in providing benefits services and successful enrollment for clients, suggest solutions, and implement those changes as directed by supervisor.
• Participate in community-based activities and events promoting CEO and City initiatives; and disseminating community-based organizations (CBO) or partners resources supported by CEO.
• Identify potential initiatives conducive to the mission of CEO and Benefits Access Unit and mobile services.
• Ensure that client files are in compliance with funder guidelines and regulations.
• Conduct initial intake to verify consumer eligibility for entitlement programs using benefits software. Collect accurate knowledge of when and where services begin and their end date.
• Keep records of assigned cases in agency’s data collection system. Use data collection software to assess client needs, document services rendered, develop a client’s customized services plan, and track progress towards mutually agreed upon goals, i.e., enrollment into entitlement program(s).
• Provide case notes that fully document services rendered.
• Locate and correct data entry errors or report them to supervisors.
• Complete monthly Characteristic, Services and Limited English Proficiency reports as outlined by funder and City of Philadelphia respective requirements.
• Work with supervisor to implement assigned human service programs when needed, e.g., Family Savings Account, Municipal ID, etc.
• Participate in on-going professional development trainings—both voluntarily and mandatory, such as in-services, staff meetings, conferences, etc.
• Provide translation services for all Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents utilizing language access lines.
• Stay abreast and inform Philadelphia residents of policy changes and implications as they relate to vulnerable populations.

Benefits

• City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED