Entitlements Specialist (Full-Time)

Mercy Haven • Islip Terrace, NY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Discover the difference between a job and a fulfilling career by becoming a vital part of Mercy Haven's mission. We are dedicated to providing homes and services to diverse populations in crisis, including those living with mental illness, homeless families, veterans, domestic violence victims and the elderly. Recognized as a Newsday Top Workplace on Long Island for three years, we invest in our employees' success and offer an excellent benefits package. We are currently seeking an experienced individual for the position of a Full-Time Entitlements Specialist. In this crucial role, you will oversee the entitlements and benefits aspect of our Supportive Housing Program and provide staff education for all Mercy Haven Programs surrounding entitlements.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalency with experience in human services required
• 3 years assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining benefits and entitlements, strong knowledge of benefits and entitlements
• Valid NYS Driver's License with a safe driving record, access to a personal and reliable vehicle
• Physical Requirements: Sits, stands, stoops, squats, walks, and moves intermittently during work hours, may push or pull 10-15 pounds daily, may push or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally, drive agency vehicle
• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field preferred
• Experience working with individuals with severe mental illness preferred

Responsibilities

• Assists tenants in securing and maintaining entitlements such as SSI/SSD, Medicaid, SNAP, Section 8, and other benefits.
• Escalates issues related to entitlements, including attending fair hearings, administrative hearings, and appeals when necessary.
• Conducts annual reviews of entitlements and assist with budgeting for tenants, ensuring the proper allocation of personal needs allowances where applicable.
• Provides assistance in applying for and maintaining benefits, including recertifications and submitting required documentation.
• Assists with rent arrears, develop repayment agreements, and act as a liaison between program staff and the finance department.
• Supports tenants and staff with entitlement applications, including during new intakes and move-ins, ensuring all benefits are secured in a timely manner.
• Accompanies tenants and staff to entitlement-related agencies (DSS, SSA) as needed and provide transportation to financial appointments when necessary.
• Assists tenants who work to maintain benefits and provide financial education, including money management and budgeting skills.
• Attends and actively participate in staff meetings, in-service trainings, interagency meetings, and educational opportunities.
• Ensures accurate and timely documentation of all resident activities, including progress notes and financial transactions, in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Works with the intake department to handle financial documentation for new tenants and ensure benefits like Medicaid and SSA are updated accordingly.
• Provides individual and group education on financial literacy and budgeting to help tenants improve their financial stability.
• Works closely with program staff and tenants on rent arrears cases that may require eviction referrals, with a focus of decreasing evictions for non-payment
• Establishes and maintain strong relationships with the Department of Social Services and other external agencies to assist with resident financial matters.
• Conducts staff training on entitlements and communicate any updates or changes to the team.
• All other relevant duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full Benefits Package including Medical, Company-Paid Dental and Vision Single Coverage.
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for medical plan.
• Generous Paid Time Off policies, including vacation and sick time.
• Agency paid Basic Life Insurance, Supplemental Employee, Spouse and Child Life Insurance policies, Long Term Disability (LTD), Short Term Disability (STD), 403(b) Retirement Savings
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Eligible for Alternative Work Schedule after training is completed

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees