Eligibility Specialist (Benefits and Entitlements)

Ggi All•West Palm Beach, FL

About The Position

The Eligibility Specialist supports participants across GGI’s housing programs—including Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Rapid Rehousing (RRH), Housing Resource Centers, and Residential Programs—in obtaining, maintaining, and maximizing public benefits. The role helps connect participants with income and healthcare resources such as Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and Social Security benefits, working closely with Case Managers, Housing Specialists, and Program Directors to promote housing stability through increased income and access to services. The position also supports compliance, documentation, and audit readiness in accordance with HUD, state, local, and funder requirements. Work takes place across office, shelter, and community-based settings, with possible on-site shelter coverage, travel within Palm Beach County, and after-hours or weekend support based on program needs. The Specialist works with participants experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and other high-acuity needs, and is expected to maintain confidentiality and use trauma-informed, culturally competent practices.

Requirements

Associate’s degree, or a combination of years of experience; a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.
At least 2 years of experience working with public benefits, entitlement programs, or case management, SOAR.
Strong knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, SSI, SSDI, and other public assistance programs.
Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, or low-income populations.
Strong understanding of eligibility determination processes and documentation requirements.
Ability to navigate government systems and advocate effectively for participants.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and compliance requirements.
Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines efficiently.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and agency policies.
Ability to work in fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable environments while maintaining professionalism and composure.
Commitment to Housing First, trauma-informed care, and cultural competency practices.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with HUD Continuum of Care programs, including PSH and RRH.
Proficiency in HMIS or similar data systems.
Experience with Social Security advocacy, including SSI and SSDI applications and appeals.
SOAR certification or willingness to obtain it.
Experience with the Florida DCF ACCESS system.
Bilingual in English and Spanish or English and Creole.
Experience working in shelter or residential program environments.

Responsibilities

Assess participant eligibility for public benefits, including Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, SSI, SSDI, and other applicable programs.
Help participants complete and submit accurate, timely benefits applications.
Support benefit renewals, recertifications, and appeals.
Track application status and follow up with agencies to support timely decisions.
Collaborate with staff across GGI housing programs to help participants obtain income sources that support housing stability.
Help participants obtain eligibility documentation, including identification, medical records, and income verification.
Coordinate with the Social Security Administration, SNAP, and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) on participants’ behalf as needed.
Explain how benefits may affect rent calculations, subsidies, and program eligibility.
Integrate benefits planning into Housing Stability Plans with Case Managers and Housing staff.
Participate in case conferencing to address barriers to income and benefits access.
Provide staff with technical assistance on eligibility criteria and benefits processes.
Maintain accurate, complete, audit-ready records in HMIS/ClientTrack and participant files.
Ensure documentation meets HUD, CoC, and funder requirements.
Track and report outcomes related to income growth and benefits acquisition.
Support data quality for income and benefits reporting at program entry, during participation, and at exit.
Advocate with benefit agencies to resolve participant issues or delays.
Educate participants about their rights, responsibilities, and available resources.
Help participants navigate complex systems in a trauma-informed and culturally competent manner.
Accompany participants to appointments when required.