Entitlement Specialist - Benefits Counselor

Creative Options•Rosedale, MD

18h

About The Position

The Benefits Counselor’s primary role is to assist people with disabilities to access State and Federal entitlements, such as SSI, Medicaid, Snap. The principal responsibilities of the Benefits Counselor are centered on providing participants with support and expertise to build complete and accurate case files to supplement or begin their successful application process for SSI/Disability.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of experience managing Social Security, Medicaid, and other health insurance benefits
Strong understanding of SSI/SSDI, Medicaid waiver programs, and health insurance systems
Excellent organizational and time management skills
High attention to detail and accuracy
Strong communication and problem-solving abilities
Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to use online portals and data systems
Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of diverse populations
Background check required
High school diploma or GED required

Nice To Haves

Associate’s/bachelor’s degree preferred with at least 3 years of benefits management experience
Preferred certification as a Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) or similar benefits planning/management certification
Experience working in human services, disability services, or nonprofit organizations
Familiarity with Maryland Medicaid waiver programs

Responsibilities

Manage and monitor all Social Security benefits, including SSI and SSDI, for individuals served
Coordinate and oversee Medicaid waiver programs, ensuring eligibility, renewals, and compliance
Administer health insurance benefits, including enrollment, changes, and troubleshooting coverage issues
Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits-related questions from staff, individuals, and families
Track deadlines and ensure timely submission of applications, renewals, and documentation
Maintain accurate and confidential records of all benefits information
Stay current on changes in benefits regulations and policies
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure individuals’ financial and healthcare needs are met
Advocate on behalf of individuals to resolve benefits issues with government agencies and providers
Complete face-to-face and phone interviews for SSA case screenings and applications, including in person meetings at SSA with the people we support
Review SSA process and documents with people receiving services and their team, set expectations and encourage communication
Obtain signatures on all necessary authorization and acknowledgement forms
Obtains any medical documentation not yet provided
Coordinate with each individual and their team, medical treatment sources, and the Social Security Administration’s Disability Determination Services
Perform timely and regular follow-up with Social Security Administration and Disability Determination Services
Provide pre-employment benefits counseling to job ready individuals to include a comprehensive Benefits Summary & Analysis report and education on tools such as PASS Plans, IRWE (Impairment Related Work Expenses), and Ticket to Work
Assists with identifying, developing, utilizing, and managing work incentives, resolving benefits issues, and learning to report income to SSA and other agencies
Attends regularly scheduled Administrative Team Meetings
Assists with resolving barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment by making appropriate referrals and coordinating with the beneficiary's support team
Perform other duties as assigned by leadership