Benefits Specialist, Homeless Intervention and Prevention - Primavera Foundation

The Benefits Specialist will work with individuals who need assistance in obtaining benefits in order to gain and/or maintain housing. This person will utilize the SOAR model; SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR), a model that helps individuals apply for Social Security disability benefits. This person will also be well versed on the different types of mainstream benefits and the process to obtain or increase benefits. Data is maintained using the HMIS/ServicePoint database and the national SOAR database. The successful candidate will be a culturally-sensitive social services professional who has a positive influence on others, thrives on successfully facilitating processes, works at a faster-than-average pace, is extremely disciplined, detail and results-oriented, sets high standards for self and others, and demonstrates top-notch planning and coaching skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES(Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by leadership):

• Works with Resource Specialists to identify participants needing assistance obtaining mainstream benefits including but not limited to SSI/SSDI and SNAP.
• Maintains a caseload of up to 25 individuals, working closely with their assigned Resource Specialist to ensure housing stabilization plan coordination.
• Completes in-depth interviews with participants to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI and other benefit applications such as Nutrition Assistance, Cash Assistance, or AHCCCS.
• Completes necessary paperwork to assist participants in filing claims, including releases and initial documentation.
• Establishes and maintains critical relationships with appropriate personnel from benefits offices and medical providers locally and nationally.
• Gathers medical records and other documentation needed to complete applications.
• Writes comprehensive SOAR Medical Summary Reports for participants applying for SSI/SSDI.
• Accompanied participants to appointments at government offices providing advocacy as needed.
• Coordinates visits for participants to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for cases.
• Enters progress notes and other required data into the HMIS and SOAR databases.
• Effectively collaborates with Resource Specialists from various programs.
• Provides education for participants on benefits and reporting requirements once obtained.
• Ensures that participant files are properly maintained, meeting HIPPA, grant, and organizational confidentiality requirements.
• Maintains a 99% accuracy rate on data entry and 95% accuracy on file audits.
• Maintains statistical data as required by grant funding sources.
• Participates in trainings, webinars, SOAR, VA, and HMIS training, and other agency trainings as requested.
• Attends meetings as required, such as agency All Staff, team meetings, and SOAR community meetings.
• Performs other related duties as requested/assigned by leadership.
• Consistently adhere to and demonstrate Primavera’s guiding principles of integrity, respect, accountability, compassion, and leadership.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of issues facing people who are low income/ experiencing homelessness, including housing, mental and physical health, and income issues.
• Knowledge of mainstream benefits and application procedures.
• Cursory knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology and ability to write using the same.
• Comfortable working with individuals experiencing a serious mental illness.
• Strong interviewing, engagement, and assessment skills.
• Ability to work effectively with program participants, the public, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively and accurately orally and in writing.
• Proficiency with office computer systems and software, including Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Word Excel, and a web-based database.
• Ability to function with minimal supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field
• A minimum of two years of work experience in social services program providing case management services.
• One year experience working with people who are low income or homeless and/or Veterans.
• SOAR certification or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain.
• Level 1 fingerprint clearance card or the ability to obtain.
• Must have reliable transportation, a current valid driver’s license and registration, proof of insurance coverage, and a clean driving record.
• Note: A combination of relevant education and professional experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

PREFERRED QUALIFCATIONS

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Experience conducting home visits.
• Experience assisting people to obtain mainstream benefits, including VA, SSI/SSDI and others.
• One year experience and demonstrated proficiency with web-based database program(s).

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate office noise levels, including shared work space.
• Ability to meet with clients in an office setting and facilitate desk work processes on full workday basis.
• Visual acuity and hand dexterity to discern information, complete records and reports, and data enter information into computer systems.
• Ability to travel to other locations as needed for home visits, appointments, meetings, events, etc.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.