BENEFITS SPECIALIST

SUMMARY

The Benefits Specialist is a member of the Income & Skills Development Team, who will provide federal benefits application assistance (SSI/SSDI/Medicare/Medicaid) to individuals experiencing homelessness at Haven for Hope. This position requires a high degree of compassion, patience, collaboration, organization and ability to adapt services for person-centered approaches.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete all documentation required for SSI/SSDI applications for Haven for Hope clients.
• Maintain ongoing compliance with all aspects of the Social Security (SSI/SSDI) Claim process.
• Use the SOAR Benefits Process for all applications that require a disability determination
• Maintain working relationships with DDS Examiners, Medical Records, Providers, and other external entities to assist clients in the SSI/SSDI application process.
• Adhere to all requirements of local, state, federal or private grant funding
• Confirm and follow up on all scheduled medical appointments required by the Social Security Administration.  Successful completion of physical examinations or mental evaluations, will aid in the successful processing and completion of Social Security Disability Claim.  
• Work closely with Haven’s Case Management and Veterans team to provide wrap-around services to facilitate clients in accessing available Federal Benefits programs.
• File documentation to help and assist Haven for Hope clients Medicare Premium Payment assistance upon referral from Haven for Hope Team clients.
• Complete referrals and processes to help Haven for Hope clients secure copies of marriage licenses, certificates, and verifications needed to process claims.
• Maintain compliance with written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other program documentation, to include case notes, services, data management, letters, grant requirements.
• Participate in ongoing training requirements of the position, as well as other training that targets professional development needs.
• Support Haven for Hope clients with information regarding employment options as they intercede with benefits and entitlements.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma Required
• Previous experience assisting clients in one of the Federal Benefits Application processes is required, which could include Medicare, Medicaid, SSI or SSDI.
• The position requires the individual to be certified in the SAMHSA SOAR process during the first few weeks of employment by completing the online training course.

KNOWLDEGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Commitment to Haven for Hope’s mission and guiding frameworks of service delivery (1) Trauma Informed Practice (2) Recovery Oriented Practice (3) Person Centered Practice (3) Motivational Interviewing (4) Harm Reduction
• Patience, creativity, flexibility, compassion and sensitivity to persons with disabilities and underserved populations
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, to represent Haven for Hope and support clients with histories of homelessness and traumas.
• Excellent administrative ability, including organizational skills, attention to detail and strong computer skills
• Ability to be self-directed and to take initiative, which includes ability to discern when to seek supervision
• Strong creative and critical thinking skills, to include the ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions.
• Ability to work collaboratively and be invested as a member of the assigned H4H Team.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal policies related to benefits, entitlements and homeless services
• Shared Lived Experience of homelessness, mental health and/or substance abuse challenges is an additional asset to the position.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

None

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License, good driving record, reliable transportation and proper insurance coverage on automobile used for work. Monthly reimbursement for applicable and documented work-related expenditures is provided.  Travel to drop off applications at a local Social Security office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Salary : $40,000 - $52,000