Eligibility Specialist

ORGANIZATION: SHELTER, Inc. is an independent, community-based non-profit organization created in 1986 to lead Contra Costa County's effort to eliminate homelessness. We now serve Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano Counties.
MISSION: To prevent and end homelessness among low-income, homeless, and disadvantaged families and individuals by providing housing services, support and resources that lead to self-sufficiency.

JOB TITLE: Eligibility Specialist
STATUS: Non-exempt/Full Time
TEAM: Programs
REPORTS TO: Director of Programs
SUPERVISES: None

PURPOSE of ROLE: This position interviews participants and prospective clients to determine their eligibility for a wide range of social services. Gathers and verifies information. Assists participants and clients to complete application forms for government and other social services and submits for approval.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with Case Managers to engage participants in need of services and identify potential candidates
• Performs interactive interviews to elicit eligibility information, obtain and/or verify financial, employment, tax and personal demographic information and determine eligibility for public assistance programs and services
• Explains regulations, rules, and policies to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for participation in various public assistance programs and services
• Work with a core group of individuals consistently over time in order to create a plan to meet their needs, particularly with those who may not independently seek services
• Proactively initiate non-judgmental conversation and a consistent presence
• Assist individuals applying for disability benefits using the eligibility components;
• Initiate paperwork with consumers by filing initial documentation of representation with SSA office
• Complete interviews with participants to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
• Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
• Write Medical Summary Reports for participant applications
• Accompany participants to appointments at the Social Security Administration and maintain communication with Social Security Administration (SSA) and the California State Disability Department regarding cases
• Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for case
• Consult with team members on strategies
• Provide case management assistance and coordinate complex needs of multiple individuals within a larger continuum of care
• Identify other community resources and provide in-depth referrals to housing and medical and mental health services
• Maintain records in EHMIS, including progress notes, incident reports, referrals, and psychosocial assessments in timely manner
• Represent SHELTER, Inc. and the Homeless Programs at trainings, community meetings, and other venues as needed
• Attend any trainings/certifications as required

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• Perform other duties as assigned

EXPECTED PROFICIENCIES:

• Knowledge of social service resource systems (SSI, SDI, Medi-Cal, etc.).
• Knowledge and skills in handling substance abuse and mental health issues.
• Knowledge of public benefits and financial resources available in the Fairfield community.
• Ability to successfully develop relationships utilizing motivational interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of family budgeting and money management.
• Thoroughness and accuracy with data collection, entry and quality control in a web based database.
• Patience/tolerance and tact/diplomacy.
• Clear/firm-yet-flexible boundaries, consistent energy level and positive demeanor.
• Professionalism: high level of integrity and strong ethical values show capacity to maintain highest standards of confidentiality with all records, including organizational and individual information.
• Strong oral/written communication and listening skills.
• Self-motivated and accountable for work time and other agency resources.
• Quality control: demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, monitors own work to ensure quality and applies feedback to improve performance.
• Well organized: able to effectively manage multiple assignments to meet project deadlines.

MINUIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in human services or related field.
• 2 years of experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness who have mentally illness and/or are dually diagnosed
• Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse clinical techniques
• Knowledge of East Bay (Contra Costa and Solano Counties) area social service resources
• Superior interpersonal, oral communication, writing, and computer skills;
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines;
• Ability to build rapport with a diverse population, developing trust and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments
• Ability to cultivate partnerships and positive relationships with other providers and community stakeholders;
• Must drive personal car on behalf of agency business and have a DMV record that permits driver to be insured under SHELTER, Inc.s automobile coverage.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five years experience working as an Eligibility Specialist
• Masters Degree with emphasis in social services, psychology or related fields
• Familiarity with federal and state public benefits programs and/or SOAR
• SOAR Certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described below 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel objects. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
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 of this job.

There are no unusual environmental conditions. Typically, the noise level in the work environment is quiet.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.75 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $28