Impact-Driven Employment & Benefits Specialist - PSH

New Beginnings Counseling Center Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

403(b) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

New Beginnings Counseling Center Santa Barbara seeks a Benefits and Employment Specialist to support the PSH program. Based in Santa Barbara, you will assist participants with employment readiness, benefits navigation, and financial literacy to support long-term housing stability across South County.

You will collaborate with PSH Case Managers, housing providers, and community partners to connect participants with education, training, SSI/SSDI, VA benefits, and budgeting resources, helping them

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years' experience in employment services or benefits assistance.
• Experience helping individuals experiencing homelessness or low-income populations preferred.
• Understanding of mental health issues and barriers to employment.
• Familiarity with SSI/SSDI and public benefits programs preferred.
• Knowledge of intake, assessments, goal development, and referrals.
• Ability to work independently in the field with coordinating with supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Assist participants with identifying employment opportunities and obtaining employment.
• Assess employment readiness, identify barriers, and provide guidance through the job search.
• Develop individualized, strengths-based income and housing stability goals.
• Refer participants to employment services, workshops, and training programs.
• Assist SSI/SSDI applications and SOAR model when appropriate.
• Assist with benefits enrollment including SSI/SSDI and VA benefits.
• Connect participants with healthcare coverage and benefits advocacy.
• Provide financial literacy support including budgeting and planning.
• Facilitate financial literacy workshops for participants.
• Coordinate with PSH Case Managers and community partners to access resources.
• Maintain participant records, progress notes, and HMIS data per requirements.
• Monitor progress toward goals and provide follow-up assistance.
• Participate in department meetings and other program meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Employment services

Benefits navigation

Financial literacy

Community partnerships

Communication skills

Data recording

Travel coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Services, Management, Human Resources, Sociology, Psychology, or related field

Tools

HMIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

New Beginnings Counseling Center Santa Barbara seeks a Benefits and Employment Specialist to support the PSH program. Based in Santa Barbara, you will assist participants with employment readiness, benefits navigation, and financial literacy to support long-term housing stability across South County.

You will collaborate with PSH Case Managers, housing providers, and community partners to connect participants with education, training, SSI/SSDI, VA benefits, and budgeting resources, helping them