Benefits Specialist I

Atlanta Community Food Bank•Atlanta, GA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of the Benefits Specialist I is to assist clients in submitting applications for public assistance programs at designated locations and/or over the phone at our main office. As a Benefits Specialist I, you will also be responsible for submitting client documentation and recording client data. Through a partnership with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), our goal is to facilitate the application process for clients who may have limited access to transportation, have been historically underserved, or need general assistance with the application process.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience working with the public; assisting individuals with benefits enrollment, recommending services, problem solving issues, or the like.
Work history that includes attention to detail, collecting, maintaining, and documenting information and complying with compliance procedures/protocols.
Experience providing excellent customer service, including clear communication, problem resolution and follow up, etc.
Must be proficient in Microsoft and have experience using Microsoft Apps such as Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, etc.
This position works with diverse populations, so the individual must demonstrate solid skills working with elderly, linguistically diverse, interfaith, BIPOC, and LGBTQx groups.
Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Application Assistance Empower potentially eligible people to make an informed decision about whether or not to apply for SNAP and/or other forms of government assistance.
Educate recipients of the recertification process to improve program retention.
Maintain expert knowledge of program policy information and changes, such as eligibility requirements, acceptable forms of verification, etc.
Coordinate and conduct application processing through promotional events, arrange application sessions, and use phone calls or emails to screen and enroll potential SNAP participants.
Act as a liaison for future client follow-up and communication in collaboration with the SNAP Manager.
Navigate community resources in areas such as: food, clothing, housing, mental health, and medical services for client use.
Represent the Food Bank with community members and partners as subject matter expert and attend community events.
Partner with SNAP Manager to monitor federal and state policy to ensure barriers and opportunities are identified and addressed.
Collaborate with partner organizations to ensure outreach at the partner’s location is positioned for success.
Case Management / Build and Nurture Relationships Support execution of the Benefits Outreach Strategy by expanding and retaining partners and ensuring ongoing excellent customer service.
Establish and build effective relationships externally with current and potential partners.
Collaborate within teams in the department to connect clients and partners to other Food Bank Programs.
Monitor, track, and report application progress and outcomes.
Generate reports to accurately capture the number of applications submitted in each period.
Partner with Management to maintain appropriate record keeping in web-based CRM for data tracking, reporting, and use in grant applications.
Communicate with DFCS staff to assist clients with ordering new EBT cards confirm issuance, and help clients troubleshoot common EBT card issues Customer Service / Performs data and administrative activities Capture and record application data, create reports, and communicate results as needed.
Maintain good rapport with partner agencies and clients.
Tracks, monitors, and maintains application data in Benefits Outreach CRM and other supporting systems.
Answer questions via phone, voicemail and/or email about organization, public benefits and/or services including providing addresses, directions, and other referral information.
Interact with a diverse group of people in a professional manner.