Public Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Description:

As a critical member of the Nebel Street Emergency Shelter Clinical Team, the Public Benefits Specialist is a key contributor to helping people quickly end their homelessness. Working closely with all team members, the Public Benefits Specialist accepts referrals directly from Case Managers to facilitate timely access to benefits (cash, food, health, and other resources based on eligibility) while clients work toward rapidly exiting the shelter to a permanent home. This position collaborates with colleagues focused on case management, employment, and housing.

Major Responsibilities:

- Supports screening and applications for eligibility for public benefits, including cash, food, health, and assistance with birth certificates and identification cards and other available resources. This position does not carry a specific caseload of clients, but instead assists all clients referred by case managers with applying for public benefits.

- Assists clients with county interviews, reapplying for public benefits and picking up benefits cards.

- Coaches and trains clients to build understanding and skills that will support their capacity to assume responsibility for routine maintenance of their public benefits.

- Performs administrative tasks, including maintaining and updating client case files, filing documentation, and completing accurate and timely data entry into HMIS.

- Complies with all federal, state, local and MCCH contractual requirements, including confidentiality requirements under HIPAA.

- Fosters positive working relationships with county offices, colleagues, other service providers and other relevant entities.

- Attends regular meetings such as Montgomery County’s Coordinated Entry Meeting and internal clinical team meetings.

- Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education

- Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience preferred; may be substituted with equivalent work and/or lived experience.

Work Experience

- The skills and knowledge typically acquired through 1+ years of relevant work experience, ideally including responsibilities in social services or a similar non-profit, grant-funded environment.

- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness is highly desirable.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies

- Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.

- Excellent attention to detail required, with a demonstrated ability to interpret and navigate complex and interconnected state and federal contracts simultaneously while also maintaining program compliance.

- Commitment to providing high quality services in support of clients, in accordance with standards set forth by MCCH.

- Ability to think critically, exercise sound judgment, and proactively seek solutions to problems clients encounter in accessing public benefits and navigating related processes and systems.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, including fluency in both writing and speaking English.

- Adept in working cross-culturally and with individuals with limited English proficiency.

- Bilingual in one or more languages preferred

- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, internet applications and relational database use, including comfort using online platforms to submit benefits applications and check status of applications and benefits.