Benefits Coordinator - WERDCC

State-of-Missour; Vandalia (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Missouri Department of Corrections seeks a Benefits Coordinator to assist residents in obtaining identification documents and public benefits to support successful reentry and self-sufficiency. You will manage applications, track progress, and coordinate with state agencies to ensure accurate submissions.

Responsibilities include guiding Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security, and VA benefit processes, coordinating notarization, and maintaining detailed case records.

Qualifications

• Four or more years of experience in Corrections, case management, social services, or reentry programs.
• High school diploma or proof of high school equivalency.
• Notary Public commission or ability to obtain within designated timeframe after hire.
• Knowledge of public benefits systems (Medicaid, Social Security, SNAP, VA, etc.).
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple applications and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist residents with completing applications for birth certificates.
• Assist residents with completing applications for Social Security cards.
• Facilitate applications for Missouri Non-Driver Identification cards.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all submitted documentation.
• Coordinate notarization, photocopying, and submission of applications.
• Guide residents through Medicaid application and renewal process.
• Assist with SNAP/food stamps applications.
• Support residents with Social Security benefits, including SSI/SSDI.
• Assist with Selective Service registration and status verification.
• Conduct driver’s license and CDL status checks.
• Maintain accurate records of all applications, submissions, and outcomes.
• Track application progress and follow up with agencies.
• Document resident interactions and update internal tracking systems.
• Educate residents on importance of obtaining identification and benefits.
• Provide guidance on maintaining benefits after release.
• Address resident questions and provide ongoing support.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Education

HS diploma or GED

Job description

A position in the Missouri Department of Corrections is more than a job. It's a calling. Corrections employees transform lives, equipping Missourians in the criminal justice system with the skills they need to contribute to their communities, inside and outside our walls. More than 95 percent of people who enter the prison system ultimately are released. We want to make sure they’re good neighbors. We offer great benefits! Missouri State Employee Retirement System / Deferred compensation plan / Health insurance (medical, vision, dental for employees and family) / Paid life insurance / Long-term disability insurance / Cafeteria plan / Paid holidays / 10 hours annual leave per month / 10 hours sick leave per month / Uniforms provided when required / Pre-service and in-service training / Access to credit union / Direct deposit of paycheck (required) / Employee health, wellness and safety initiatives / MOST 529 College Savings Program. The Missouri Department of Corrections is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workspace.

The Benefits Coordinator is responsible for assisting residents with obtaining essential identification documents and accessing public benefits to support successful reentry and self-sufficiency. This role focuses on application assistance, tracking, and follow-up for a wide range of documents and benefit programs.

Source document Acquisition (Primary Focus)

• Assist residents with completing applications for birth certificates
• Assist residents with completing applications for Social Security cards
• Facilitate applications for Missouri Non-Driver Identification cards
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all submitted documentation
• Coordinate notarization, photocopying, and submission of applications

Public Benefits Assistance

• Guide residents through Medicaid application and renewal process
• Assist with supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps) applications
• Support residents with Social Security benefits, including SSI/SSDI applications

Veteran & Military Services

• Assist eligible residents with accessing VA benefits
• Facilitate requests for military records (e.g., DD214)
• Coordinate referrals to veteran service organizations as needed

Additional Documentation & Compliance Support

• Assist with Selective Service registration and status verification
• Conduct driver’s license and CDL status checks
• Help residents resolve outstanding documentation or eligibility barriers

Case Management & Tracking

• Maintain accurate records of all applications, submissions, and outcomes
• Track application progress and conduct follow-ups with agencies
• Document resident interactions and update internal tracking systems

Resident Education & Support

• Educate residents on the importance of obtaining identification and benefits
• Provide guidance on maintaining benefits after release
• Address resident questions and provide ongoing support throughout the process

Collaboration & Coordination

• Work with internal staff and external agencies
• Communicate with state and federal offices to resolve application issues
• Participate in events such as document assistance days or enrollment drives

Minimum Qualifications:

Four or more years of experience in Corrections, case management, social services, or reentry programs, and possession of a high school diploma or proof of high school equivalency.

(Earned credit hours from an accredited college or university may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience at a rate of 30 earned credit hours for one year)

Preferred Qualifications/Skills:

• Current Notary Public commission, or ability to obtain Notary Public commission within a designated timeframe after hire. Knowledge of public benefits systems (Medicaid, Social Security, SNAP, VA, etc.)
• Strong Organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple applications and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

All requested documents MUST be received by the closing date listed.

Contingent upon your position, you may also be eligible to receive:

• A $2.00 per hour shift differential if you are assigned to a shift that begins on or between 12:00pm (noon) and 5:00am and are employed at a 24/7 congregate care facility (i.e. institution, transition center, supervision center, or command center).
• A $0.75 per hour medium security or $1.50 maximum security differential if you work full-time at a qualifying facility.
• A $1.00 per hour restrictive housing differential if you are assigned a regular post within a restrict housing/segregation unit at any facility.

The Department of Corrections currently offers a guaranteed 1% pay increase for every two years of continuous service up to 20 years! If you are transferring from another State of Missouri agency and are receiving state retention pay, please be advised that the Missouri Department of Corrections administers retention based upon your retention anniversary date. As a result, your retention pay upon transfer may differ from what you were receiving at your previous agency until you reach your applicable retention anniversary date.

The Missouri Department of Corrections is proud to have a tradition of promotion from within for employees looking for and seeking distinctive career paths. As you work for the department, we invite you to consider your goals and make choices to actively head toward them. We seek to recognize employees who serve with distinction.

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