SMI Housing and Benefits Specialist

Valle del Sol•Phoenix, AZ

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing and Benefits Specialist is a key member of the Clinical Team responsible for assisting individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in accessing, securing, and maintaining both safe housing and essential public benefits. This integrated role focuses on addressing critical social determinants of health by supporting members through the complex processes of applying for and maintaining benefits such as AHCCCS, SSI/SSDI, Medicare, SNAP, and other entitlements. The specialist provides hands-on assistance with documentation, coordinates with government agencies, and educates members on how employment may impact benefits. By combining expertise in housing navigation and benefits coordination, this position plays a vital role in improving member stability, independence, and long-term well-being.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must possess or obtain a valid Fingerprint Clearance Card (if required for the role).
Must possess reliable transportation (if required for the role).
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
At least 1 year of experience working in behavioral health, case management, housing navigation, or benefits coordination.
Understanding of SMI services, housing systems, and entitlement programs (e.g., AHCCCS, HUD, SSA).
Must have reliable transportation, valid Arizona driver’s license, and the ability to travel for home visits and community coordination.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, behavioral health, or related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
SOAR certification preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire.

Responsibilities

Assist members with locating, applying for, and securing appropriate housing, including Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), emergency housing, or community-based housing programs.
Maintain working knowledge of local housing options, waitlists, and eligibility requirements.
Conduct housing readiness assessments and assist in developing and monitoring housing goals in the Individual Service Plan (ISP).
Coordinate with landlords, property managers, housing agencies, and internal staff to support successful housing placements and ongoing tenancy.
Conduct home visits as required to assess safety, suitability, and member needs in the living environment.
Support members in applying for and maintaining benefits such as AHCCCS, SNAP, Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI), Medicare, and other state or federal entitlements.
Guide members through the documentation process, including obtaining ID, Social Security cards, and verification of income or medical need.
If SOAR-certified, complete or assist in completing SSI/SSDI applications using the SOAR model; coordinate with SOAR-trained staff when necessary.
Educate members on how employment or earned income may impact benefits and connect them to financial education and employment supports.
Track benefit redeterminations and deadlines to prevent coverage gaps.
Collaborate with case managers, clinicians, peers, and nurses to ensure housing and benefits activities are integrated into the member’s treatment plan.
Attend staffings and internal meetings to provide updates, advocate for member needs, and align efforts across the Clinical Team.
Document all services, progress, and contacts in the electronic health record in a timely and accurate manner.
Establish and maintain strong partnerships with housing authorities, entitlement programs, and community agencies.
Stay current with updates in housing and benefits programs, ensuring compliance with Mercy Care, AHCCCS, and HUD guidelines.
Advocate on behalf of members to resolve barriers related to housing or benefits access and renewal.