Bilingual Benefit Enrollment Specialist

Community Economic Defense Project • Denver, CO

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

CEDP’s Benefit Enrollment Program is a well-established, organization-wide service that supports clients across all programs, as well as walk-in clients and referrals from trusted community partners, in accessing critical public benefits such as SSI, SSDI, SNAP, other income supports as well as digital equity tools and services.

Benefit Enrollment Specialists provide hands-on, client-centered guidance through complex application processes, from documentation and submission to ongoing follow-up, while coordinating closely with housing, legal, and case management teams to align benefits with broader stability goals. Through strong partnerships with community organizations and public agencies, the role helps address systemic barriers and improve access to resources. Given that only about 29% of SSI/SSDI applicants are approved initially and fewer than 40% ultimately receive benefits, this role is essential in strengthening application outcomes and ensuring clients have the support needed to secure and maintain the benefits they are eligible for.

Supporting the Denver CEDP Office (as needed), the role involves conducting client intake assessments to determine eligibility for both internal and external services. These services include, but are not limited to, rental assistance (such as Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance and Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance), housing counseling, utility assistance, and eviction prevention.

Requirements

• A minimum one year of experience in assisting clients in applying for public benefit programs, with a specific focus on SSI, SSDI, SNAP, and tax benefits.
• Bilingual (Spanish & English proficiency), required
• Available at least 2 in-person days a week, at the CEDP Denver office, working closely with office support staff to ensure clients receive services where they need them most.
• 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
• A flexible work style that allows for rotation between the CEDP office and community clinics with partner organizations, offering accessibility and convenience to clients.
• Capacity to make referrals to other agencies and organizations to provide clients with supplementary services that may be required.
• Eagerness to collaborate with local partners and engage in CEDP's community engagement strategies, actively working to integrate enrollment services into community resource networks for maximum client benefit.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail to manage a caseload efficiently
• Comfort with ambiguity in a fast-paced, all hands-on-deck environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse personal and professional backgrounds with a focus on social, racial justice, and equity.

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, preferred.
• Knowledge and experience handling requests for additional information and communication with the Social Security Administration (SSA) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed assessments and individualized benefit planning, helping clients navigate SSI, SSDI, SNAP, and related supports
• Facilitate access for eligible participants in the Digital Equity Grant programs to vital digital tools and educational resources, including but not limited to 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. In cases where applications are denied, connect clients with our Benefits Attorney for legal assistance
• 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

Benefits

• competitive pay
• flexible time off
• benefits package (including medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k)
• A base salary of $63,354 a year, plus a $1,000 per year hybrid employee salary adjustment
• All employees receive a technology stipend of $720 per year
• Employees who utilize two languages or more at work are eligible for a $2,000 salary differential per year added to the salary grade listed above. Language assessment will be conducted by the organization as a requirement to receive the differential

What This Job Offers

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