Public Benefits Program Manager

Erie Neighborhood House•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Since 1870, Erie Neighborhood House has provided comprehensive support to immigrant and low-income families in Chicago, evolving to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming in children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, and legal services. The Public Benefits Program Manager will manage the Public Benefits Program, working closely with the team to coordinate activities within the agency and with external partners. The program's mission is to promote a culture of health and encourage staff and participants to become leaders in community wellness and equity. The role involves overseeing daily operations, ensuring eligible participants are enrolled in public benefits for better outcomes, helping clients achieve self-sufficiency and stability, networking with community resources, making referrals, and documenting participant progress. The manager will embody values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in health education or equivalent of 2 years of experience.
At least 2 years of experience in program coordination and grant management.
Minimum 2 years of experience managing direct reports or leading teams in a professional setting.
Strong understanding of family dynamics, social issues, and the challenges faced by diverse families.
Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
Ability to inspire, lead, and manage a team effectively.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Experience working with an immigrant population.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
Superior communication skills.
Commitment to social justice and sensitivity to the assets and challenges of a diverse group of participants.
Reliable transportation is required in order to travel between work sites, partner agencies, workshops, and outreach events.
Pass a state and FBI clearance (Background Check).

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a strategic vision for the Public Benefits Program in collaboration with the Department Director, aligning with organizational mission, goals, and funder requirements.
Provide leadership to a team of professionals, setting clear expectations, fostering collaboration, and promoting empathy and support.
Cultivate, establish, and maintain strategic partnerships with civic and private entities, agencies, and other partnerships throughout the state to enhance program goals.
Ensure compliance with all local, county, state, and federal standards for Public Benefits Program eligibility and operations.
Design, implement, and continuously improve Public Benefits programs and services.
Conduct ongoing program assessment and evaluation of best practices, trends, patterns, and changes in the Public Benefits Program environment, implementing programmatic changes based on needs and congruence with the mission and vision of ENH in collaboration with the Community Wellness Support Services Director.
Ensure programs are evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the evolving needs of diverse families, aligning with programmatic and funder requirements.
Collaborate with the Community Wellness Support Services Director and Development Department to secure financial and non-financial resources for program expansion and sustainability, including identifying grant opportunities, cultivating alliances, obtaining and managing partnerships, initiating MOUs, obtaining contracts, and acquiring other resources.
Provide fiscal management of the Public Benefits Program, including budget preparation, fiduciary decision-making, contract negotiations, and providing data, metrics, deliverables, and reporting requirements, in collaboration with the Community Wellness Support Services Director.
Monitor the budget and participate in quarterly and annual revisions with the finance department.
Mentor and develop a high-performing team, fostering professional growth and maintaining a positive work environment.
Provide training and professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their skills in serving families effectively.
Implement appropriate resources for the operational management of the Public Benefits program, including effective supervision of key staff, and hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.
Attend professional development applicable to the field and population served on an ongoing basis.
Attend public education workshops regarding immigration, health issues, the census, and public benefits to enroll individuals.
Attend and participate in required educational programs and staff meetings.
Support the team with special cases.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Occasional travel for program events and meetings.

Benefits

Excellent professional development opportunities
Opportunity for growth
Direct impact in building powerful communities
Generous paid time off (12 accrued sick days per year, 3 personal days, paid birthday off, 8 paid holidays including Juneteenth, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, Vacation Year 1 = 8 days, Year 2 = 13 days, Year 3 + = 20 days)
Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible
Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees
Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave
Employer-sponsored learning and development programs
Paid day off annually for personal professional development
Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows
Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance
Employer-paid life insurance
Voluntary life and AD&D and short and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care
403b with employer match
Employee Assistance Program