POSITION TITLE: Benefits Advisor
Qualifications:
- An Associate’s Degree plus a minimum of one year experience in a similar capacity or equivalent combination of education and experience working with people with disabilities.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written and oral communication skills required; able to interact in a respectful, supportive and confidential manner
- Strong familiarity with Independent Living Philosophy
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software, including Excel, Word and Power Point. Working knowledge of Gmail/Google applications
- Ability to work independently in an efficient manner
- Maintain strong work ethic and strict adherence to code of ethics, standards of conduct and confidentiality requirements
- Capable to explain and guide the rules and regulations of Social Security, DSS, Medicaid etc
- Basic understanding of how income effects benefits and explanation of all resources they have (9 month trial work period, Ticket to Work, SSI formula for discounting some of their income, excess resources and income limitations, trust accounts, etc)
- Ability to foster and facilitate the clients independence and self-direction as much as possible throughout the process while ensuring all eligibility criteria are met and forms are completed correctly and meet the deadline requirements
- Able to coordinate and advocate with various agencies, family members, medical professionals, landlords etc as needed
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support with completion and submission of applications for benefits – including but not limited to SSDI/SSI, DSS (SNAP, TA, HEAP, emergency services, Medicaid, Unemployment etc)
- Assist with recertification’s for DSS benefits
- Assist with referrals to and follow up connection with multiple resources including but not limited to : Legal Aid, SPOA, Food Banks, job search (AccesVR) , CDPA, mental health/substance use treatment, Catholic Charities, Helping Hands, TRIPS, RC PRIDE, medical facilities, immigration advocacy
- Submit clients monthly pay stubs via fax if client is unable to get them to Social Security in a timely manner
- Aide with facilitating a path to gathering documents which may include assisting client with calls to various agencies for ID and medical documentation, award letters, etc
- Ensure all intake appointments, medical exams, housing and employment unit appointments are complied with via reminders or reschedules
- Assist with appeal process when clients are denied benefits via submission of appeal or fair hearing forms (by strict deadlines) and sitting with client for call appointments from agencies
- Assist with ensuring clients are compliant with submission of documentation for eligibility for any / all benefits
- Must be cleared and maintain an acceptable record under the criminal background check process
- Follow up with explanation of letters received from government agencies (etc) and develop a concrete plan for compliance
- Help with facilitating specific needs for this plan (example – TRIPS bus to get to DMV or doctor)
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position