Benefits Specialist

Samaritan Daytop Village; Bon Accord; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a nationally recognized health and human services agency dedicated to helping New Yorkers access essential public assistance benefits. As a Benefits Specialist, you will play a crucial role in assessing client needs, maintaining records, and ensuring clients receive the support they deserve. This position offers a dynamic work environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds. If you are passionate about social services and have the skills to navigate complex benefit systems, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Human Services or related field required.
• 1 year experience with NYC Department of Homeless Services or similar.

Responsibilities

• Assess client needs for Public Assistance Benefits and refer eligible clients.
• Maintain and track client files for recertification.

Skills

Computer literacy

Client assessment

Problem-solving

Confidentiality

Education

Associates Degree in Human Services

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Welfare Management System (WMS)

CARES System

Job description

Overview

Benefits Specialist

Help New Yorkers Get the Care They Deserve!

Mon -Friday 9am -5pm

Hourly: $25.21

A nationally recognized comprehensive Health and Human Services Agency, with over 60 programs across New York City and the greater New York Area.

Samaritan Daytop Village serves over 33,000 New Yorkers annually within your neighborhoods and communities so our success depends on those we employ.

The Role

Under the general direction of the Assistant Program Director or Designee, the Benefits Specialist is responsible for performing a variety of tasks and activities to assist clients with Public Assistant Benefits. This work is carried out in support of the mission and goals of Samaritan Daytop Village.

Responsibilities

What You Will Do

• Assesses client’s need for Public Assistant Benefits and refers those that are eligible.
• Maintains and tracks out-of-city client files for recertification.
• Troubleshoots and resolves problems regarding client eligibility for Public Assistant Benefits.
• Prepares and submits weekly census reports of clients’ benefits.
• Escorts clients to Public Assistant Benefits.
• Files all information relating to Public Assistance in client folders.
• Checks client’s ID and assists clients in obtaining ID.
• Utilizes Welfare Management System (WMS) for inputting, gathering, and retrieving information.
• Assists clients in filling out City, State, and Federal applications for ID and benefits.
• Assists clients with Fair hearing.
• Attends all HRA and DHS training for client’s benefits.
• Maintains updated information on all changes in clients’ benefits.
• Assists clients with completing Public Assistance applications and re-certifications.
• Refers clients to community-based agencies for INS problems.
• Maintains detailed process notes on clients in CARES System.
• Collaborates with Housing Specialists concerning clients' LINC Vouchers

Qualifications

Who You Will Be

• Someone with an Associates Degree in Human Services or a related field
• At least One (1) year of comparable experience working with the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) or other similar city-operated organization.
• Computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and EHR.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.