BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS SPECIALIST

Who We Are

Community Mainstreaming is a non-profit human service agency dedicated to providing services that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead meaningful, productive lives within their community. Learn more about our impactful work at communitymainstreaming.org.

Overview

The Benefits and Entitlements Specialist is responsible for assisting individuals in the residential program with securing, managing, and maintaining all benefits and entitlements for which they qualify. This role involves developing and maintaining relationships with HRA and Social Security team members to provide effective advocacy. The specialist will ensure that individuals’ funds are properly managed and disbursed, and will serve as a resource to individuals, families, and staff on best practices for safeguarding financial resources.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services field such as Social Work, Sociology, Rehabilitation Counseling, or Psychology (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local benefits systems, including HRA and Social Security services
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management or advocacy within the OPWDD support system
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with excellent record-keeping skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic health record (EHR) management systems
• Ability to travel to HRA offices as required
  
  

Generous Benefits

• Medical Benefits: Generous employer contribution; eligibility begins the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.
• Dental Benefits: Employer-paid.
• Vision Plan.
• Accident Insurance.
• Critical Illness Insurance.
• Pet Insurance.
• Identity Theft & Fraud Protection.
• Legal Services.
• 403(B) Retirement Plan: Organization match of up to 5%.
• Life Insurance: 100% employer-paid, coverage of 1x annual salary.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Program.
• Voluntary Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Benefits.
  
  

Paid Time Off

• Up to 80 hours of vacation during the first calendar year of employment. Employees accrue an additional 8 vacation hours each subsequent calendar year, up to a maximum of 120 hours.
• Up to 48 hours of personal time per calendar year.
• 9 paid holidays.
  
  

As a non-profit organization, we offer employees the opportunity to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Join our team and make a positive impact in the community while benefiting from this valuable financial relief.

Pay: $65,000/year

What You Will Do

• Ensure that all eligible individuals have accurate and complete applications submitted for benefits and entitlements (e.g., Social Security, Medicaid, SNAP) within 30 days of admission or when there is a change in benefit eligibility (such as DACA status).
• Complete recertification and renewal documentation and ensure timely submission and follow-up to prevent any disruption in benefit eligibility or payments.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with community service providers such as the SSA, Medicaid offices, and care coordination managers.
• Request and represent individuals in fair hearings for denied or lapsed benefits, with the goal of reinstating benefits through effective appeals and timely documentation.
• Report any demographic or employment changes to the appropriate agencies promptly to prevent benefit interruptions and ensure accurate recordkeeping.
• Attend HRA and OPWDD trainings regularly to stay informed about new policies and changes in eligibility requirements.
• Submit monthly reports to the Accounting and Residential departments regarding the tracking of benefits and entitlements or any changes.
• Facilitate team meetings and case conferences to resolve entitlement issues, address changes in benefit programs or eligibility, and improve internal communication and document sharing.
• Conduct training sessions on entitlements for individuals and agency team members as needed.
• Participate in agency family information seminars related to benefits and entitlements.
• Attend other meetings as requested and collaborate as part of the service delivery team.
• Ensure that benefits and entitlements information is accurately maintained in the agency’s electronic health records system.
  
  

Work Location: Westbury, NY (Nassau County)

Work Hours/Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week.

Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Community Mainstreaming Associates is an equal opportunity employer.