Public Benefits Case Manager- Min. $24.04/Hr

Old Colony YMCA; Pittsfield (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Colony YMCA is seeking a Public Benefits Case Manager to specialize in connecting participants to essential public benefits such as MassHealth and SNAP. This role involves conducting intake interviews, managing participant needs, and collaborating with local community partners.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree, strong communication skills, and at least one year of experience in case management. This position requires a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License and a commitment to community service.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience engaging in case management activities.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License and good driving record.
• Must be able to walk, sit, stand, drive and bend during the work day.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews with participants to identify essential needs.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local community partners.
• Act as the CJSC liaison for local community partners and state agencies.

Skills

Good oral and written presentation skills

Engaging in case management activities

Computer skills including MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams)

Job description

Public Benefits Case Manager – OCC CJSC

Reports To: Director, OCC Community Justice Support Center

Job Summary: The Public Benefits Case Manager will specialize in connecting all CJSC participants to public benefits and privileges that support successful outcomes including MassHealth, SNAP benefits, SSI and SSDI, state IDs and any other relevant public health benefits that support better outcomes for participants. By ensuring that clients are engaged with appropriate public benefits to address emerging needs the Public Benefits Case Manager will help clients become more responsive to treatment, education and employment services delivered by CJSC staff as part of a treatment plan. He/she will be familiar with resources available in the surrounding communities, networking within those communities, making referrals to community supports as needed and documenting participant progress at the CJSC. The Public Benefits Case Manager will demonstrate the character values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring.

Job Functions

• Program/Department Responsibility:
• Conduct intake interviews with participants to identify essential needs (housing, food, healthcare, personal finance) and provide pathways to access benefits and services available through state agencies/benefits providers and work with CJSC staff to educate and assist in connecting participants to these benefits.
• Receive information from actuarial risk/needs assessment tools to determine essential needs and actively support participant access to needed services and benefits through various pathways.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local community partners who can provide core and pro-social services/activities to clients and connect clients to these services/activities.
• Core and Pro Social Services include but are not limited to:
  • Core Services to include DTA for SNAP benefits, SSI and SSDI benefits, Veteran’s benefits, education, vocational services / employment services and employment, behavioral health, medical services, housing, food, insurance and other benefits.
  • Pro-social Services to include civic engagement / community service, recreation, faith-based activities, gender-specific activities, mentoring services/activities.
• Act as the CJSC liaison for local community partners and state agencies/benefits providers to ensure streamlined and effective communication and access for clients and families including: becoming a Certified Application Coordinator to submit electronic benefits application to MassHealth and accessing DTA Connect to submit electronic benefits applications to SNAP.
• Master eligibility requirements for SSI, SSDI and Veteran’s benefits and support eligible participants in their application for benefits.
• Offer trainings and briefings to participants and or CJSC staff on various areas of benefits and service programs.
• Maintain documentation of information specific to established resources, participant referral/participation in resources and information provided to CJSC staff.
• Cross-train in actuarial assessment tools for risk/need, treatment planning and contingency management protocols as needed.
• Supervision of Personnel: NONE
• Fiscal Responsibility: Adhere to all fiscal policies and procedures such as petty cash, purchase orders, credit cards and employee expenses as requested.
• Facility/Housekeeping Responsibility: Ensure the highest level of cleanliness by cleaning and/or inspecting areas of responsibility.
• Interdivisional/Community/Volunteer Responsibility
  • Attend all assigned meetings.
  • Actively participate in the Y’s Annual Campaign.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in related field.
• Good oral and written presentation skills.
• Minimum of one year of experience engaging in case management activities such as enrolling consumers in public benefits programs.
• Computer skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams).
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License and good driving record.
• Must be able to walk, sit, stand, drive and bend during the work day.