Summary:
Under the supervision of the Extended Care Services Director, the Public Benefits Specialist's primary responsibility is to ensure that clients across Refugee Resettlement Services programs have access to and receive assistance with applying for and enrolling in all applicable state and federal benefits, including but not limited to TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and SSI. The Specialist ensures all applications and services are provided in a planned, effective, and timely manner to eligible clients and follows up to keep clients and case managers informed about application statuses and benefit access. This position ensures that services meet the needs of the clients and contribute to their self-sufficiency. The Specialist's duties extend to other refugee support programs, providing a holistic approach to helping refugees access, apply for, and receive all benefits they may be eligible for through state and federal programs.
Position Responsibilities:
- *Collaborate with clients and staff members across all refugee programs to coordinate appropriate service plans and address needs related to obtaining available public benefits for which clients may qualify.
- *Provide direct case management services to clients, assisting them with applying for and securing public benefits.
- *Report on activities, visits, and special client concerns to the Director/Manager and other staff during required meetings or as needed.
- *Input and retrieve data from external online refugee databases and internal spreadsheets for data management, ensuring all client information and program goals are accurately tracked.
- *Reviews and maintains accurate and up-to-date client files, including intake, assessments, filing and other required paperwork.
- Must be sensitive to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
- Adhering to safety training and protocols on a daily basis and taking precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of self, others.
- Responsible for protecting the confidentiality of any information or material obtained in the service with the organization to include but not limited to client names and information, services rendered to clients, donors names and gifts, internal and external investigations or results of any investigations, and financial information.
- Adherence to the Code of Conduct and the Faith and Moral is mandatory.
- Every employee is required to take a solution-oriented approach in their interactions and undertakings, as well as being a team member that promotes collaboration and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization.
- Must complete all training requirements in a timely manner.
- Other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
Competencies:
Critical Thinking
Building Collaboration
Results Oriented
Teamwork
Integrity / Honesty
Minimum Qualifications:
• Education
bachelor’s degree preferred but not required; or equivalent of 2 – 4 years’ experience in a social service field.
• License and Credentials
- Reliable transportation
- Valid driver license
- Valid vehicle insurance
- Ability to operate an agency 12 passenger van on an as needed basis for program activities and events.
- Must be 21 years of age and adhere to the CCAOSA policy, which will not allow anyone under the age of 21 to operate an agency vehicle
- Must have a cleaning driving record
Minimum Knowledge and Skills:
- Proficient in client file documentation and record keeping.
- Skilled in using personal computers, various software applications, email, and the internet.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and self-motivation, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to drive and maintain reliable personal transportation.
- Capable of driving a 12-passenger vehicle when necessary.
Travel Requirements:
Travel requirements for the position includes 25% local and 0% overnight.
Disclaimer:
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, etc.) ** This is a Grant funded position and salary is dependent on funding availability. Position can be eliminated at any time because of lack of funding to support this position.**
Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To view this and other employment opportunities please visit our website at www.ccaosa.org. You must apply through our website and complete the application and upload your resume. No phone calls please. If you are chosen for an interview, you will be contacted.