Benefit Specialist

KEY RESPONSIBILITY OVERVIEW:

The Independent Living & Benefits Service Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities to maximize self-direction, community participation, and independence as defined by the individual while championing principles of Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion.

The Independent Living & Benefits Service Coordinator provides comprehensive independent living service coordination including case management, benefits counseling, advocacy, skills training, information and referral, and community education. The position assists individuals in understanding and navigating public benefit systems, accessing community resources, overcoming barriers to independence, and exercising informed choice in all aspects of their lives. This position requires frequent travel throughout the service area and potential travel throughout the state, reliable transportation is required.

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of disability-related services, public benefit programs, and community resources, along with the ability to educate individuals and community partners through presentations, workshops, outreach activities, and professional trainings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Independent Living Services and Benefits Navigation

Provide consumer-driven independent living and benefits service coordination to individuals with disabilities.

Assist consumers in understanding, accessing, maintaining, and maximizing public benefits and community resources, including but not limited to:

• Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet)
• Medicare (SHIP Certification within 6 months of hire)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Housing assistance programs
• Energy assistance programs
• Transportation resources
• Community-based disability services
• Other federal, state, and local assistance programs

Educate consumers regarding eligibility requirements, reporting obligations, appeals processes, and available supports.

Collaborate with consumers to identify independent living goals and develop plans that increase self-sufficiency, self-direction, community participation, and overall independence.

Support consumers in building skills, navigating complex systems, accessing resources, and advocating for themselves while maintaining a consumer-directed approach focused on empowerment rather than providing ongoing care or completing tasks for the individual.

2. Advocacy

Serve as a steadfast advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.

Assist consumers in addressing barriers to housing, transportation, healthcare, employment, education, public accommodations, and community participation.

Support consumers in understanding their rights and developing self- advocacy skills.

Participate in community and legislative advocacy efforts aimed at improving opportunities, accessibility, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

3. Documentation

Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of all services provided in accordance with agency policies, funding requirements, and program standards.

Ensure consumer records reflect services delivered, progress toward goals, referrals made, and outcomes achieved.

4. Community Education and Outreach

Plan, coordinate, and deliver educational presentations, workshops, webinars, and informational meetings regarding:

• Independent living services
• Disability rights and advocacy
• Public benefit programs
• Accessibility and inclusion
• Community resources
• Independent living philosophy

Represent the organization at community events, resource fairs, conferences, professional meetings, and networking opportunities.

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, social service agencies, schools, employers, housing organizations, faith-based organizations, and other community partners.

Provide presentations and technical assistance both in-person and through virtual platforms.

Promote awareness of agency services and strengthen referral networks throughout the organization's service area.

5. Continual Learning

Attend staff meetings and actively participate in professional development opportunities to remain informed regarding disability rights, public benefits programs, independent living services, community resources, and emerging best practices.

Maintain current knowledge of changes to public benefit programs, eligibility requirements, and community resources.

6. Program Enhancement

Contribute to program development, service improvement initiatives, outreach planning, and organizational goals.

Participate in task forces, committees, and collaborative community efforts to ensure the perspectives and needs of individuals with disabilities are represented.

Assist in identifying service gaps and opportunities to improve consumer outcomes.

7. Site Based Services

Conduct visits in the home or in the community when necessary to provide independent living services, advocacy, benefits counseling, skills instruction, resource coordination, or accessibility-related support.

Reliable transportation is required to travel throughout the organization's service area.

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of disability rights, community resources, and independent living services preferred.
• Working knowledge of Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet), Medicare, SSI, SSDI, SNAP, housing assistance programs, and other public benefit systems preferred.
• Ability to research, interpret, and explain benefit programs, eligibility requirements, and community resources.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple consumers, projects, and responsibilities simultaneously.
• Strong interviewing, assessment, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective public speaking, presentation, and training skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills, including Google Workspace and virtual meeting platforms.
• Must be flexible, resourceful, self-motivated, and capable of working independently.
• Accurate recordkeeping and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and lived experiences.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience providing service coordination: benefits counseling, case management, advocacy, independent living services, social services, community outreach, or related human service activities preferred.
• Experience working with Missouri Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, SSDI, SNAP, housing assistance programs, or other public benefit systems strongly preferred.
• Experience assisting individuals with disabilities, older adults, or low-income populations preferred.
• Experience conducting presentations, trainings, workshops, webinars, or public education activities preferred.
• Experience building partnerships and working collaboratively with community organizations is preferred.
• Personal experience with a disability.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time, standing and walking on hard surfaces for short periods of time.
• Ability to travel independently to meetings or clients homes throughout the 8 county service area, as well as training throughout the state or country.
• Hearing and speaking ability to receive and provide verbal information, in person, on the telephone or via virtual meeting platforms.
• Vision sufficient to read, prepare, and proofread documents, read and enter information electronically, perform assigned duties.
• Requires frequent viewing of computer monitors, documents or printed information.
• Reaching, grasping and manipulating objects such as writing utensils, office items, paperwork and operating keyboards.
• Lifting and carrying light objects up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 20 pounds occasionally.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education or other field related to independent living*

*May be waived for appropriate experience

Equal Employment Opportunity

Empower: abilities is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates. We are committed to maintaining employment practices based on the principles of equal opportunity and ensuring that employment decisions are not influenced or unlawfully affected by your race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), religion, ancestry, citizenship, and immigration status, gender, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, results of genetic testing, service in the military, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. This commitment includes all aspects of recruiting, hiring, training, placement, transfer, promotion, demotion, assignment, compensation, benefits, layoff, recall, leave of absence, termination, and any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Case management: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Springfield, MO 65807 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20