Entitlements Specialist

At Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, we are committed to building a team that truly represents the communities we serve — because great care starts with great people. At Ecker, we are proud of the real difference our work makes every day, demonstrating dedication and a compassionate approach, where treatment is carefully planned and customized for each individual based on their unique needs and strengths. That same care extends to the well-being of each of our team members. Together, our staff fosters a welcoming workplace where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and open feedback drives continuous improvement.

As a trusted behavioral health organization committed to providing care in the community since 1955, we offer an array of comprehensive services for youth, adolescents, and adults. Our case management team provides support in navigating behavioral health systems, accessing resources, and ensuring individuals receive the necessary services for stability and wellness.

Job Scope: The Entitlements Specialist serves as the organization’s expert on public benefits and entitlement programs, providing guidance on eligibility requirements, application processes, regulatory changes, and available community resources. This unique role combines direct client service with organization-wide support, assisting individuals in both individual and group settings with obtaining, maintaining, and maximizing benefits that support access to treatment and community stability. The Entitlements Specialist collaborates closely with multidisciplinary treatment teams to monitor benefit renewal and redetermination requirements, ensure continuity of coverage, and address barriers to accessing services. The position also serves as the organization's liaison to local DHS/DBHR offices, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, fostering effective partnerships and advocating on behalf of clients. Additional responsibilities include conducting clinical assessments, developing individualized, strength-based, recovery-oriented treatment plans, responding to intake and urgent service needs, and maintaining timely, accurate documentation to support quality care, compliance, and continuity of services.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist clients across the organization to apply for and access insurance coverage including Medicare and/or Medicaid when eligible. Monitor and assess caseload for insurance coverage and the need for insurance authorizations for services.
• Act as agency liaison to local DHS office. Advocate and represent clients in accessing benefits and services for which they may be eligible.
• Assess and apply for Medicaid redetermination. Monitor and support applying for: SSI, SSDI, SNAP, TANF, WIC, AABD, LIHEAP, Circuit Breaker, Reduced Fare transportation, SafeLink phone, Section 8, IHDA, etc.
• Support billing and clinical staff in monitoring and meeting spenddown requirements. Knowledgeable about Medicaid Spenddowns, patient responsibility, deductibles, copays, and other financial eligibility requirements.
• Provide treatment to and assist in developing case management services to a shared caseload of clients who have a behavioral health diagnosis.
• Provide accurate, quality documentation within a maximum of 48 hours after service delivery
• Provide support to the case management team and other programs as required

Performance Requirements

• Demonstrate knowledge of documentation standards and capacity to meet documentation expectations.
• Ability to get clients to participate in individual sessions.
• Ability to assess, diagnose, interpret and integrate both verbal and non-verbal client input during session.
• Ability to clinically “listen” during session.
• Ability to establish rapport with clients and interact constructively with others in the workplace.
• Ability to focus client on individualized treatment plan and goals.
• Give information in a clear and understandable fashion and respond constructively to appropriate client questions and concerns.
• Ability to confidently communicate with insurance companies, Medicare/Medicaid representatives, state and county agencies, etc.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in human services field
• One-year clinical experience
• Experience applying for and securing various federal and state public benefits
• Must have a valid Illinois driver's license, auto insurance and automobile

Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm. Some flexibility in scheduling.

Ecker Center for Behavioral Health offers a hearty benefit package that is highly competitive to the market and offers all full-time employees the following:

• 403(b) plan with organizational contributions of 2% to 7%, based on length of service
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition reimbursement plus many other training opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program – face to face counseling sessions, resources for work/life, life coaching, financial, medical advocacy, and more
• Extended sick and disability leave
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

To further promote an active and healthy work/ life balance, Ecker Center also offers a generous amount of paid time off.

• 2 – 4 weeks of vacation, based on length of service
• 9 Holidays
• 8 Personal days
• 8 Sick days

Ecker Center for Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a workplace where all team members have an opportunity to succeed.

Pay: $50,003.20 - $54,579.20 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• are you able to work the hours as posted? (Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm. Some flexibility in scheduling.)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,003 - $54,579