Outreach and Entitlement Specialist Supportive Housing

Bfnc-Inc-1; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Bfnc-Inc-1 in Buffalo, NY is looking for an Outreach & Entitlement Specialist to assist underserved communities in navigating essential services. This full-time role involves conducting outreach, building client relationships, and advocating for access to healthcare and public entitlements.

Qualified candidates will have an associate's degree in a relevant field and must demonstrate strong communication skills. A valid NYS Driver's license is required. The position offers a salary of $50,000 annually and is an on-site role.

Qualifications

• One year experience in customer service or equivalent.
• Valid NYS Driver's license with good driving record.
• Familiarity with databases is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to connect clients with services.
• Assist clients with applications and entitlements.
• Log client interactions and manage data effectively.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Attention to detail

Computer and web-based systems

Creative thinking

Ability to work independently

Education

Associate's degree in human services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Apps

Job description

Job Title: Outreach & Entitlement Specialist Supportive Housing

Position Status: Full-Time

Position Classification: Non-Exempt

Remote: No

Department: Integrated Care & Outreach

Immediate Supervisor: Integrated Care & Outreach Coordinator

Salary: $50,000/annually

Job Summary

The Outreach & Entitlement Specialist plays a vital role in connecting underserved individuals and communities to essential services and benefits. This position is responsible for conducting targeted outreach, building trust with clients, and assisting them in navigating complex systems to access public entitlements such as healthcare, housing, food assistance, disability benefits, and other social services.

The specialist works collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to identify eligible individuals, assess needs, and provide hands‑on support throughout the application and enrollment processes. This position is responsible for assisting with the monitoring and recertification process for entitlements for individuals residing in a supportive housing setting. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of local, state, and federal entitlement programs.

Supervisory Duties

This position has no supervisory duties.

Essential Functions (Percent of time)

Outreach & Entitlements 80%

• Throughout the outreach process serves as a helpful, supportive, and nonjudgmental resource for community members.
• Build relationships with clients to understand their needs and barriers to accessing services.
• Assist clients in completing applications for public benefits and entitlements.
• Provides advocacy and transportation assistance as required for entitlements appointments.
• Assure that disability verifications are obtained for all residents prior to admission.
• Assists with obtaining any documentation for move‑in.
• Assists team with client apartment set‑up and move‑in as needed.
• Completes move‑in paperwork, including entitlement assessment.
• Attend in person and/or participate in referral status meetings.
• Monitor hospitalizations and discharges in relation to entitlements.
• Collaborate with service providers, case managers, and government agencies to coordinate care and referrals.
• Stay current on changes in eligibility criteria, program guidelines, and available resources.
• Conduct outreach in community settings, shelters, clinics, and other relevant locations.

Data Management/Administrative 15%

• Participate in benefits related trainings.
• Participate in other required agency training courses.
• Thoroughly log all client interactions in systems as required.
• Create purchase requisitions as needed.
• Track all client entitlements, recertifications and statuses.
• Keep accurate and complete work files, including records, documentation, and other materials. Maintain organized records of client interactions, referrals provided, and follow‑up activities.
• Track progress toward completion of project deliverables as defined by funding contracts.

Any other job responsibilities directly assigned to you by your supervisor. 5%

Education

Associate's degree in human services, public health, or related field (or equivalent experience), plus one year experience working in a customer service role.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Valid NYS Driver's license with evidence of good driving record and vehicle in good working condition.
• Strong verbal communication skills and comfort with communicating in person and by phone, email, text message, and other mediums.
• Ability to keep written case notes and submit required documentation.
• Attention to detail and ability to understand and follow complex program guidelines and requirements.
• Comfort with computers and web‑based systems. Familiarity with databases, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps a plus.
• Knowledge of (preferred) or interest in learning the human services network in Erie County.
• Self‑directed and able to work well independently as well as part of a team.
• Creative thinking, sharing ideas that will help ensure project success.
• Demonstration of a helpful, positive, and nonjudgmental approach, showing respect and fairness for each client and for all stakeholders.
• Positive attitude with motivation to provide interactive and compassionate experience to those in our programs.
• Must exhibit a passion for BFNC's vision, mission and values and act as a role model.
• Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.