Entitlement Specialist - Benefits Counselor

Job Summary - 

The Benefits Counselor’s primary role is to assist people with disabilities to access State and Federal entitlements, such as SSI, Medicaid, Snap.

Job Responsibilities 

The principal responsibilities of the Benefits Counselor are centered on providing participants with support and expertise to build complete and accurate case files to supplement or begin their successful application process for SSI/Disability.

· Manage and monitor all Social Security benefits, including SSI and SSDI, for individuals served

· Coordinate and oversee Medicaid waiver programs, ensuring eligibility, renewals, and compliance

· Administer health insurance benefits, including enrollment, changes, and troubleshooting coverage issues

· Serve as the primary point of contact for benefits-related questions from staff, individuals, and families

· Track deadlines and ensure timely submission of applications, renewals, and documentation

· Maintain accurate and confidential records of all benefits information

· Stay current on changes in benefits regulations and policies

· Collaborate with internal teams to ensure individuals’ financial and healthcare needs are met

· Advocate on behalf of individuals to resolve benefits issues with government agencies and providers

· Complete face-to-face and phone interviews for SSA case screenings and applications, including in person meetings at SSA with the people we support

· Review SSA process and documents with people receiving services and their team, set expectations and encourage communication

· Obtain signatures on all necessary authorization and acknowledgement forms

· Obtains any medical documentation not yet provided

· Coordinate with each individual and their team, medical treatment sources, and the Social Security Administration’s Disability Determination Services

· Perform timely and regular follow-up with Social Security Administration and Disability Determination Services

· Provide pre-employment benefits counseling to job ready individuals to include a comprehensive Benefits Summary & Analysis report and education on tools such as PASS Plans, IRWE (Impairment Related Work Expenses), and Ticket to Work

· Assists with identifying, developing, utilizing, and managing work incentives, resolving benefits issues, and learning to report income to SSA and other agencies

· Attends regularly scheduled Administrative Team Meetings

· Assists with resolving barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment by making appropriate referrals and coordinating with the beneficiary's support team

· Perform other duties as assigned by leadership

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Minimum of 2 years of experience managing Social Security, Medicaid, and other health insurance benefits

· Strong understanding of SSI/SSDI, Medicaid waiver programs, and health insurance systems

· Excellent organizational and time management skills

· High attention to detail and accuracy

· Strong communication and problem-solving abilities

· Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to use online portals and data systems

· Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of diverse populations

· Background check required

EDUCATION

· Associate’s/bachelor’s degree preferred with at least 3 years of benefits management experience

· Preferred certification as a Certified Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC) or similar benefits planning/management certification

· Experience working in human services, disability services, or nonprofit organizations

· Familiarity with Maryland Medicaid waiver programs

· High school diploma or GED required

Salary : $65,000 - $67,000