POSITION TITLE: Social Worker (Benefits)
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) and 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
- 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
- Conduct a full benefits eligibility review: explain eligibility rules, assist with enrollment and/or recertification, and assist with the appeal process
- Follow-up with Person-Centered counseling
- Ensures all significant client data and service provider details are current and accurate, and that they are documented in a timely manner
- Follow through all paperwork required for consumer files per agency policy
- 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
Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’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
- 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