Eligibility Specialist (Benefits and Entitlements)

Gulfstream Goodwill Industries•West Palm Beach, FL

About The Position

The Eligibility Specialist assists 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 connects participants with income and healthcare resources such as Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and Social Security benefits to support housing stability. Working closely with Case Managers, Housing Specialists, and Program Directors, the Eligibility Specialist helps increase participant income and access to services. The role also supports compliance, documentation, and audit readiness in accordance with HUD, state, local funder, and other applicable requirements. Work takes place across office, shelter, and community-based settings, with possible travel within Palm Beach County and occasional after-hours or weekend support based on program needs.

Requirements

Associate’s degree required; a combination of years of experience may be considered. 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 experience is also referenced.
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.
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 follow 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 CoC 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.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Assess participant eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, SSI, SSDI, and other applicable public benefits.
Assist participants with completing and submitting benefit applications accurately and on time.
Support benefit renewals, recertifications, and appeals.
Track application status and follow up with agencies to support timely approvals.
Collaborate with housing-program staff to help participants establish income sources that support housing stability.
Help participants obtain documentation required for benefits, 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 benefit processes.
Maintain accurate, complete, and 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 using trauma-informed and culturally competent practices.
Accompany participants to appointments as needed.
Travel within Palm Beach County to attend appointments, accompany participants, or coordinate with partner agencies as needed.
Provide after-hours or weekend support based on program needs and shelter operations as needed.