Client Escort/Community Benefits Specialist (48413)

CARE FOR THE HOMELESS • New York, NY

49d • $45,000 - $45,000

About The Position

SUMMARY:
Accompany clients to various appointments. Act as client advocate when dealing with various social services agencies. Use knowledge of different social services organizations and benefit programs to obtain services, benefits and/or information for clients.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2-4 years’ experience within social services setting working with homeless, medically frail, disabled, special needs or any other challenging client population
• Experience working in an environment that required knowledge and understanding of various social services entitlement programs
• Excellent communication skills needed to effectively deal with various social services agencies and clients
• Excellent client facing skills needed and the ability to stay calm when dealing with difficult clients Ability to develop a rapport with clients
• Ability to effectively deal with state and government agencies that follow very bureaucratic processes
• Ability to multi-task and stay organized
• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• Ability to use public transportation within all five boroughs of New York City (for appointments with clients and on behalf of the clients)
• Heavy field trips which may require multiple trips within a day
• Assist with client move outs

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Homelessness preferred
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

• Accompany clients to various appointments such as social services providers, medical visits, and public assistance and housing appointments
• Act as advocate for clients in obtaining services, payments, benefits and other entitlements
• Use knowledge base to ask the right questions and to negotiate on behalf of the client
• Prepare any required client documents prior to appointments.
• Ensure required referrals are obtained prior to appointment
• Pick up client benefit statements from HRA office (Public Assistance Office)
• Make transportation arrangements using company van including driving the van when another driver is unavailable
• Administrative Duties: office -filing, answering phones, and sorting client mail
• Other duties related to the Client Escort-Peer Specialist position

What This Job Offers

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