Benefits Resource Specialist

Position Summary

JCCA is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Benefits Resource Specialist to support families enrolled in our Brooklyn-based Child Welfare Preventive Services. These programs—including Family Treatment/Rehabilitation (FT/R), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Solution-Based Casework (SBC)—provide a comprehensive continuum of care aimed at strengthening families, promoting safety and stability, and preventing foster care placement.

In this vital role, the Benefits Resource Specialist helps families overcome barriers to stability by navigating public benefits, entitlements, and community resources. They will assist with applications, provide workshops, and connect families to essential supports such as housing, healthcare, education, and immigration services. Working closely with case planners, clinicians, and leadership, you will ensure families receive timely, equitable, and culturally responsive assistance.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist families with applications and renewals for public benefits (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, childcare subsidies).
• Support clients with immigration-related forms and processes when applicable.
• Provide individualized guidance to help families understand eligibility rules, timelines, and required documentation.
• Develop and deliver workshops on completing benefits applications, understanding entitlements, and navigating community systems.
• Create resource guides and written materials that enhance family knowledge and self-advocacy.
• Assist families with school enrollment, special education advocacy, and other school-related needs.
• Connect families to housing supports, healthcare providers, and a wide range of community-based services.
• Advocate with agencies and institutions to help families resolve barriers or delays in accessing services.
• Collaborate with case planners and program staff to integrate benefits support into family service plans.
• Maintain up-to-date understanding of NYC benefits and community resources; share information with staff and families.

• Track outcomes and complete documentation for program reporting as required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Community Development, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with families in social services, preventive services, or community-based settings.
• Strong working knowledge of NYC public benefits, entitlement programs, and community resources.
• Experience facilitating groups or leading workshops is strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and advocacy skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.

Pay Rate: $30.22 per hour ($55,000 annually) - differential offered for Spanish language skills