Description

Mental Health Association of Nassau County (MHANC) is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to improving mental health in our community through advocacy, education, program development, and the delivery of direct services. Our organization is looking for a motivated individual with a calling to help adults with mental illness by becoming a Residential Financial Specialist.

The Residential Financial Specialist will work closely with members enrolled in MHANC programs, specifically residents of the Community Living Program. Beginning at screening and initial intake to ensure proper benefits are active and/or applied for upon admission. The Residential Financial Specialist will maintain ongoing contact with staff and consumers to maintain rent payments in the Community Living Program (CLP). The Residential Financial Specialist will act as a liaison between the consumer and third-party organizations including The Department of Social Services, Social Security Administration and Medicaid. The Residential Financial Specialist will act as a resource to staff and consumers regarding completion of applications, available & appropriate benefits and entitlement support to ensure the efficient operation of the reimbursement of billable services. The Residential Financial Specialist will monitor all rent payments within CLP, coordinate and attend all meetings with consumers and program staff to address non-payment of rent.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in screening, intake, and data entry of consumers to determine eligibility for benefits.
• Provide guidance to MHANC staff and directly assist consumer with completion of applications for benefits/entitlements, including obtaining required documentation and following through to ensure application is completed and approved. When necessary, assist consumers in completing appeal/fair hearing to obtain benefits needed.
• Provide direct assistance to MHANC staff and consumers and accompany to DSS/SSA for application/appeal process.
• Monitor consumer Medicaid, including spend downs. Use EPaces monthly to ensure benefits are active.
• Remain abreast of current Social Security, OTDA regulations for benefit enrollment and recommend appropriate updates of organizational policies.
• Maintain accurate records for Social Security and rent payments. Complete annual rent calculations based on consumer income; complete consumer meetings as necessary to explain rental charges.
• Monitor CLP rent payments on a weekly/monthly basis; prepare and maintain monthly rent reports and monitor reporting tools for consumer rent collection including arrears letters, and eviction notices. 
• Schedule monthly rent collection meetings with CLP program staff and Directors to review and discuss action plans to resolve. Meet with consumers who are delinquent in rent payments to develop payment plans to resolve arrears and follow up to ensure plans are followed.
• Conduct outreach and maintain database of resources available to assist consumers in arrears. Maintain regular contact with resources of available assistance and provide referrals as necessary.
• Accepts and follows through on other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Service related field required.
• Three or more years’ experience in Social Services with specific work experience in entitlements, benefits, and working with individuals living with mental health/substance abuse diagnosis. Demonstrate experience in effective professional communication, organization, and multitasking. Must be able to handle simultaneous challenging situations. Must be flexible, demonstrate personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with consumers, personnel, and support agencies.

Other Qualifications

• Driver’s license.
• Microsoft Outlook Suite, Internet experience and basic working knowledge of computer operations including Excel, Word and Outlook.