Benefits Application Coordinator

The Benefits Application Coordinator provides direct assistance, advocacy, and benefits navigation services to individuals and families seeking access to public benefits programs.

The Colorado Poverty Law Project (CPLP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. CPLP’s mission is to improve access to legal services for low-income Coloradans by: providing legal advice and representation to low-income individuals through a combination of our staff attorneys and our substantial volunteer attorney network; educating and counseling individuals and their support organizations on legal issues common to low-income Coloradans; and supporting groups advocating for new protective laws and procedures.

The position is responsible for helping clients identify, apply for, obtain, and maintain benefits including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services, and other public assistance programs. The Benefits Application Coordinator works directly with community members throughout the application process, assists with gathering documentation, provides benefits counseling, maintains accurate case records, and collaborates with attorneys and community partners to support successful outcomes for clients.

• Provide individualized benefits counseling to help clients identify public benefits for which they may be eligible.
• Assist clients with completing and submitting applications for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, DVR services, and other public assistance programs.
• Educate clients regarding eligibility requirements, application processes, timelines, and appeal rights.
• Assist clients in gathering medical, financial, and other supporting documentation necessary to complete benefits applications.
• Conduct client interviews to assess needs and identify barriers to accessing benefits.
• Maintain regular communication with clients regarding application status and next steps.
• Provide follow-up assistance to help clients maintain benefits and comply with program requirements.
• Make referrals to legal services, community organizations, healthcare providers, and other resources when appropriate.

• Provide services to individuals and families residing in Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson Counties, and surrounding communities.
• Assist approximately 350 individuals annually with benefits-related services and applications.
• Complete and submit approximately 125 new SSI and/or SSDI applications during the grant period.
• Support clients with additional public benefits applications and related services as needed.
• Coordinate with attorneys regarding appeals, denials, or complex benefits matters requiring legal intervention.
• Participate in outreach activities and community education efforts related to disability benefits and public assistance programs.

• Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive case notes in the organization's case management system.
• Track client contacts, applications submitted, outcomes, and follow-up activities.
• Ensure client files are complete and comply with organizational policies and grant requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
• Assist with the collection of client success stories and testimonials when appropriate.

• Maintain accurate records necessary to support grant reporting requirements.
• Track and report the number of individuals served, benefits applications submitted, and program outcomes.
• Assist with preparation of quarterly and other grant reports.
• Participate in grant monitoring, evaluation activities, and program audits as required.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with grant requirements, organizational policies, and applicable regulations.
• Collaborate with management regarding program performance, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

• Work collaboratively with attorneys, intake staff, management, and community partners.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, supervision, and professional development activities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations and public benefits agencies.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve service delivery and client outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the position and grant requirements.

• Associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience assisting individuals with public benefits, social services, healthcare navigation, disability services, case management, or related fields.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing poverty, disability, housing instability, trauma, or other barriers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based case management systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, Psychology, or a related field.
• Experience completing SSI and SSDI applications.
• Experience working with Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, DVR, or other public benefits programs.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, legal services, or community-based organization.

This is a hybrid locational position, with the expectation that job functions will be performed partially at home (or alternate agreed location) and partially at CPLP’s facility, which is part of a co-working facility located at Alchemy Work space, 66 S. Logan Street, Denver, Colorado. Candidates must be willing to engage in community outreach using all appropriate remote options, including phone and online video conferences.  

This position is grant-funded and is a 1-year, term-limited role with an anticipated end date of 6/30/27. Continued employment beyond this period is contingent upon the availability of additional funding and is not guaranteed.

CPLP is an equal opportunity employer. Salary will be commensurate with experience, within a range of $60,000 to $65,000 annually depending on experience. We offer a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage, along with generous paid time off.

$60,000 - $65,000 per year