Entitlement Specialist

PURPOSE:
The Jewish Board’s Adult Residential Division supports adults with serious and persistent mental illness to live in the community with as much independence as possible. Using a non-judgmental, harm-reduction approach, staff model and guide residents to create and meet personalized recovery goals, develop independent living skills, and live in a healthy and secure manner. Our work is guided by principles that underscore the critical importance of stable housing, use a culturally competent and anti-racist lens, and respect the dignity and legitimacy of each individual’s journey.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Under the supervision and direction of the Program Director, within the Jewish Board Adult Residential Services Division, the Entitlements Specialist is responsible for the procurement and maintenance of client benefits.
The Entitlements Specialist monitors all client SSA and PA benefits so that certification requirements are addressed expeditiously and benefits are consistently maintained.
The Entitlements Specialist also ensures that program fee, or rental, disbursements are tracked in the various levels of residential programming, i.e., Congregate, Apartment Treatment, and Supported programs. In addition, he/she monitors the disbursement of Medicaid payments to Apartment Treatment Programs, and the overall coordination of benefits therewith.
The Entitlements Specialist will have responsibility for developing and maintaining relationships with the Human Resources Administration, and Social Security Administration, to best provide our clients with advocacy in this area and ensure they receive the most appropriate services.
The ideal candidate must possess excellent casework, administrative and analytical skills. Must have intermediate to expert computer skills, is organized and able to multitask.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure all SSI renewals are handled timely and accurately;
• Ensure Medicaid benefits are intact and maintained for residents;
• Provide requested materials and work closely with auditors during SSA audits;
• Provide direct service to residents consistent with service plan goals related to benefits;
• Address consumer arrears by initiating reparative processes such as one-shot deals and other means of collecting funds owed through the various agencies;
• Prepare and communicate information to clients and staff regarding benefit programs, procedures, changes to benefits, and addresses interruption in benefits with preemptive action;
• Facilitate team meetings and case conferences around entitlements;
• Facilitate Consumer/tenant meetings and work with staff to address and resolve entitlements issues;
• Ensure the accurate completion of client documentation (from intake to discharge) that is consistent with HRA, Medicaid, OMH and JBFCS requirements and guidelines;
• Develop and maintain linkages with community service providers.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS MAY INCLUDE:

• Conduct staff training & development in the area of entitlements as necessary.
• Conduct regular reviews of client benefits and related documentation and correspondence.
• Maintain relationships with governmental and other agencies within scope of entitlements role.
• Submit monthly internal JBFCS reports such as arrears tracking and other related benefits documentation.
• Participate in all meetings, as assigned.
• Work collaboratively as part of a service delivery team
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL / TRAINING REQUIRED (List all that is required to achieve this position):

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services preferred, or HS Diploma with requisite 3 years’ experience.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED / LANGUAGE PREFERENCE (List what the desire to reach goals):

• A minimum of three (3) years entitlements experience.
• Must also have prior experience working with adults with mental illness.
• This individual must have the ability to work individually on projects as well as be a team player.
• This individual must also be organized and meticulous; and possess the ability to pay attention to detail.

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED (List the computer skills needed):

• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Technologically competent in handling of administrative practices

VISUAL AND MANUAL DEXIERITY:

• As required in a standard office setting
• Engage in physical activities with the residence
• The candidate should be able to read paper and electronic documents and perform significant data entry into various computer programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL EFFORT

• The work environment involves no physical risk or hazardous conditions.
• To perform the essential functions of this job, the candidate is routinely required to sit (90% of the time) and stand (10% of the time)

We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.