Income & Benefits Specialist

U.S.VETS•Houston, TX

8d•$22 - $27

About The Position

Looking for a rewarding position? How would you like to serve those who served? If you are looking for an opportunity to work for a great organization & make a difference, this is the job for you! Come & join our winning team! Benefits include Paid Vacation, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision and Company matching 401K (For further consideration all applications must be completed in entirety.) This position reports directly to the Program Coordinator or Director of Behavioral Health. The Income & Benefits Specialist will support clients throughout their benefits enrollment process and/or managing income secured through employment. Support includes listening, encouraging, coaching, empowering, and connecting clients to income and benefit resources that meet their individual needs and eligibility requirements. Classification: Non-Exempt

Requirements

Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or other related social service field required.
Minimum one year of experience in social services or related field required
Knowledge and familiarity of benefit enrollment process (both VA and civilian benefits)
Trained in SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) preferred or must be able to complete training within 30 days of hire
Strong communication skills, listening, and positive interpersonal skills
Ability to work collaboratively with others in a teamwork environment
Effective time management and organizational skills
Proven experience and ability to work in a team based environment
Ability to maintain a professional partnership with other community organizations
Valid drivers license required.
Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course.

Responsibilities

Responsible for income and benefits services provided to clients, linkage to benefits and other community resources, follow-up of services, and monitoring progress
Conducts initial screenings to determine eligibility, schedules appointments, and provides assistance to clients to complete benefits enrollment
Prepares an initial financial budget and income sustainability plan on each client enrolled and updates budget every 30 days or as needed until client discharges from program
Determines appropriateness of referral and client eligibility to benefit from community/mainstream resources
Coaches clients about benefits and income options
Identifies and utilizes community resources to meet client needs
Coordinates, advocates on clients behalf, and follows up with the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, State Welfare programs, etc. to assist with securing mainstream benefits
Coordinates with case management to document services and establish organized program file structure, client database, and assessment process for income and benefits services
Provides monthly service reports of statistics and outcomes
Maintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships with staff of community agencies to obtain resources for clients
Facilitates classes/groups on budgeting, benefits resources, etc.
Participates and attends on/off site staff and community meetings
Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
Works under general supervision or independently
Other duties as assigned