Benefit Advisor

Reasors Food Stores; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Medical, Vision & Dental

EAP

403(b) Retirement Plan

Transit Subsidy

Paid Family Leave

Short-Term Disability

Job summary

The Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) in New York City is seeking a Benefit Advisor to deliver person-centered services to New Yorkers in need, onsite and virtually. You will conduct eligibility screening, assist with benefits applications, coordinate care, and maintain timely documentation in funder databases.

This role requires knowledge of city, state, and federal benefits, strong case management, and the ability to engage diverse communities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public benefit systems at city, state, federal levels and eligibility for programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, and housing-related benefits.
• Strong case management and client service skills with ability to manage a fluid caseload and meet data quality standards.
• Proficient documentation and data entry with attention to detail; HIPAA and privacy compliance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client meetings in person or virtually to assess needs and determine benefit eligibility.
• Assist clients with completing applications, gathering documentation, and preparing for interviews or appeals.
• Coordinate referrals to external providers for needs outside the program’s scope, including housing, legal, and employment services.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all client interactions and outcomes in funder databases within required timeframes.
• Engage in outreach and community presentations to promote services and enroll clients.

Skills

Public benefits knowledge

Case management

Documentation

Communication

Crisis intervention

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

High School Diploma + experience

Tools

HIPAA knowledge

Job description

• Location 198 E. 121st Street,5th Floor,New York, NY, 10035,United States
• Base Pay $44,240.56 - $59,930.96 / Year
• Job Category Public Benefits, Case Management, Social Services
• Employee Type Non-Exempt

• Name Lidde Piton
• Email [e-mail]

The Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) is one of New York City’s premier human services organizations, leading the way in innovative solutions to homelessness, poverty, and mental illness. With an annual budget exceeding $100 million and a passionate team of over 700 employees, CUCS empowers thousands of New Yorkers each year through integrated housing, health, and social services.

From supportive housing and mental health care to employment assistance and professional training, CUCS delivers life-changing programs that foster long-term stability and opportunity for the city’s most vulnerable populations. As a recognized leader in the field, we’re expanding our impact—and we’re looking for dedicated professionals to join us.

Under the supervision of Program Management, the Benefit Advisor will provide a comprehensive range of person-centered services to New Yorkers in need, both onsite and virtually. Responsibilities include eligibility screening, application assistance, benefits-related case management, advocacy, referrals, crisis intervention, community outreach, and coordination of care. The scope of responsibilities may vary depending on the program site and operational needs.

You’ll be expected to maintain high standards in line with agency policies, funder guidelines, and management directives—including thorough and timely documentation of all client contacts and services delivered.

For a full scope of the work, see below ( Please note Benefit Advisor responsibilities may vary depending on the program site.):

Essential Functions

• Conduct client meetings in person or virtually to assess needs, determine benefit eligibility, and provide ongoing support throughout the benefit application process.
• Utilize approved screening tools to identify all applicable city, state, federal, and private benefits, and assist clients with completing applications, gathering and submitting documentation, and preparing for interviews or appeals.
• Manage an active and fluid caseload in accordance with agency and funder requirements, ensuring timely intake, service delivery, documentation, follow-up, and case closure; meet established productivity and quality benchmarks.
• Track the status of benefit applications using relevant databases and communication channels; proactively intervene to resolve delays, advocate for clients, and initiate appeals or mediation as needed.
• Coordinate referrals to external providers for needs outside the program’s scope, including but not limited to legal services, housing support, food resources, financial counseling, and employment assistance; engage collateral contacts and family members when appropriate.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all agency privacy standards and legal requirements in the handling of sensitive client information and external communications.
• Accurately document all client interactions, services rendered, and outcomes in funder databases and internal tracking systems within required timeframes; ensure documentation meets agency, program, and contractual standards.
• Participate in outreach and engagement activities, including in-person or virtual events, community presentations, targeted flyer distribution, promote program services and support client enrollment efforts.
• Monitor service trends, identify barriers to access or engagement, and communicate emerging issues to program leadership in a timely and solutions-oriented manner.
• Attend mandatory trainings and incorporate learned practices into service delivery; utilize available incentives (e.g., MetroCards, diapers, movie tickets) to support outreach and retention efforts.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by program management to ensure program effectiveness, compliance, and alignment with agency goals.

Expectations

• Prepare for and actively participate in supervision meetings by setting clear agendas, providing timely updates on work activities, and integrating feedback and directives into daily practice.
• Communicate professionally and consistently with supervisors, demonstrating sound judgment, adaptability to changing assignments, and the ability to manage responsibilities independently and competently.
• Foster a respectful and inclusive work environment by building positive relationships with clients and staff of diverse backgrounds and experiences, and by supporting a team-based, mission-driven approach to service delivery.
• Collaborate with colleagues and contribute to shared client responsibilities as needed; participate in team meetings, trainings, and program initiatives to ensure alignment with program goals.
• Analyze issues proactively and elevate concerns appropriately within the supervisory chain of command; support conflict resolution and maintain professionalism and productivity in high-pressure situations.
• Adhere to all agency policies, procedures, and contractual requirements, including standards for documentation, conduct, service delivery, and confidentiality.
• Manage work schedules responsibly by reporting on time, coordinating breaks to ensure coverage, completing assignments within required timeframes, and complying with attendance and timekeeping protocols.
• While this position is primarily site-based, program management may authorize a hybrid work schedule as appropriate and in accordance with agency policy.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma and two (2) years of relevant work experience
• Bachelor’s Degree
• OR, High School Diploma and four (4) years of relevant work experience
• Bachelor’s Degree and two (2) years of relevant work experience
• OR, BSW degree and one (1) year of relevant work experience
• OR, High School Diploma and six (6) years of relevant work experience
• Bachelor’s Degree and five (5) years of relevant work experience
• OR, BSW degree and four (4) year of relevant work experience
• OR, High School Diploma and nine (9) years of relevant work experience
• Bachelor’s Degree and eight (8) years of relevant work experience
• OR, BSW degree and seven (7) year of relevant work experience
• OR, High School Diploma and eleven (12) years of relevant work experience

Note: For applicants without college degrees, every 30 college credits earned may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Note: Relevance pertains to the essential tasks and functions of this role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public benefit systems at the city, state, federal, and private levels, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and appeals processes for programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security, and housing-related benefits.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive needs assessments and apply screening tools to accurately determine benefit eligibility and service needs for a diverse client population
• Strong case management and client service skills, including the ability to manage a fluid caseload, maintain follow-up, and support clients through the entire benefit application process.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex processes clearly, manage client expectations, and engage respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with histories of incarceration or homelessness.
• Proficiency in documentation and data entry, with strong attention to detail and the ability to meet data quality standards in both internal systems and funder databases.
• Organizational and time management skills, including the ability to balance multiple priorities, adhere to deadlines, and maintain productivity in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of confidentiality and privacy regulations, including HIPAA and agency-specific protocols, with the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners, including legal, housing, medical, and social service providers, to coordinate referrals and ensure comprehensive care
• Crisis intervention and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify barriers, advocate for clients, and mediate or escalation needs when necessary.
• Adaptability to work in varied settings, including correctional facilities, office environments, and virtual platforms, with a willingness to participate in outreach and marketing activities as assigned.
• Cultural competency and commitment to equity, with the ability to provide person-centered services in alignment with CUCS’s mission and values.

Physical Demands

• Sit and stand for extended periods of time
• Walk, bend over, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull, and move
• Lift and move items or equipment weighing up to 10 pounds
• Walk up/down stairs (note, most agency sites have elevators)
• Work primarily indoors in a standard, open space office environment and operate standard office equipment. Note that some community-based programs require working outdoors.
• View and read computer screens and written documents, and enter data into computer
• Ability to commute via public transportation for lengthy periods of time.
• Ability to travel to various locations in order to provide services.

Summary

Benefits We Offer:

• Annual Time Off Benefits: 17 days of PTO for new hires, 20 days of PTO after 1 yr of service, 27 days of PTO after 5 yrs of service, 10 Sick days, 3 personal days, 12 paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Pre-tax savings plan (including Flexible Spending Accounts and Commuter Benefit Plan)
• Transit Subsidy
• Paid Family Leave; Short-Term Disability insurance