Company Description

A mission-driven organization, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) serves people in Northeast Ohio and walks with them on their road to self-sufficiency. LMM helps empower people to overcome barriers, obtain job skills, gain employment, locate safe and stable housing, access counseling and support services, stay out of prison, and secure second chances in community. Our mission is to promote shalom (peace, well-being) and justice (right relationships) through a Christian ministry of service and advocacy with those who are oppressed, forgotten and hurting.

Position Summary

The Benefits Specialist is a key contributor to our mission, focused on supporting clients with the essential resources required to achieve housing stability, specializing in SSI/SSDI benefit applications using SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model and facilitates access to other vital benefits. This position is an important contributor to the purpose of providing comprehensive support to clients by cultivating resource connections with community providers and actively promoting engagement among relevant stakeholders

Some of the duties include:

• Assist shelter clients in enhancing their income prospects by facilitating SSI/SSDI applications using SSI/SSDI SOAR model and other traditional methods of application
• Responsible for improving client access and engagement to community providers and resources for benefits
• Align clients' trajectories with their Exit Plans by coordinating their engagement with other Communities within the Shelter
• Ensure clients' integration into Cuyahoga County's Coordinated Entry system, if not assessed prior to shelter entry
• Arrange transportation to critical destinations (e.g. housing, medical, employment, etc.)
• Adapt to fluctuating needs by floating between program Communities, as needed
• Maintain participant data and statistical information in the client database system
• Foster consistent communication with partner agency staff for individual client updates and collaborative decision-making
• Collaborate with the Clinical team to address mental health and substance use concerns effectively
• Engage in regular caseload reviews with supervisor(s)
• Maintain regular contact with appropriate partner agency staff for individual client/staffing updates
• Apply best practices in case management (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Critical Time Intervention) and shelter operations (e.g., Housing First, Low Demand, Harm Reduction)

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate has a High School Diploma or GED; Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Experience working with vulnerable populations and people with lived experience; and the ability to uphold and support the Housing First preferred.

LMM offers a number of benefits for staff including, but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, disability, life, generous paid time off and a 403(b) retirement savings plan. LMM is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity in life experiences and backgrounds. LMM promotes equality for individuals of all backgrounds, including Minorities, Females, Disabled Individuals, and Veterans. LMM also maintains a drug-free workplace.

Join our team! Go to: https://www.lutheranmetro.org/get-involved/careers/ to complete an online application and attach a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume. The hourly rate range for this position is between $18.00-$20.00. Applications accepted until position is filled.