Job Type Full-timeDescriptionJOB TITLE: Benefits Specialist, School-Based Early Support Program DEPARTMENT: Family Counseling EXEMPTION: Non-Exempt REPORTS TO: Program Director SUPERVISES: N/A PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: The Benefits Specialist is a new position in the School-Based Early Support Program, a new preventive services model that enhances school-based partnerships. The Benefits Specialist will support families to increase their economic stability as part of a case management and counseling team providing wraparound support to families connected with schools in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The Benefits Specialist will become a member of a well-established benefits access and enrollment team at CFL, benefitting from training and collegial support. I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to
- Collaborate closely with CFL program and school staff to increase the economic stability for families in four community-based schools
- Conduct comprehensive benefits screenings for families
- Provide application and enrollment assistance, and verify receipt of benefits
- Provide advocacy and follow-up assistance
- Develop expertise and assist families with public benefits including SNAP, cash assistance, HEAP, housing assistance, health insurance, WIC, social security benefits, unemployment, NYC ID, Fair Fares, childcare, etc.
- Accompany families to benefits offices as needed to provide advocacy
- Collaborate closely with program staff to track and meet families' goals
- Participate in outreach and engagement activities within the schools
- Serve families flexibly across the four school communities, including rotating on-site office hours and school-wide events
- Provide consultation to the program team on benefits and navigating related systems
- Conduct workshops for families
- Develop and maintain relationships with all CFL programs to connect families within CFL's integrated service model
- Participate in weekly team and individual supervision meetings
- Adhere to best practices in customer service and maintaining confidentiality
- Maintain required documentation and data entry
II. QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/BS/BSW
- At least one year of relevant experience
- Bilingual in Spanish or Mandarin required
- Knowledge of public assistance programs and familiarity with enrollment processes preferred
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Ability to manage time and work independently to achieve strong results
III. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS
- Build and maintain collaborative, daily interactions with co-workers, supervisors, and school staff
- Effectively communicate with external organizations
- Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients within our organization
- Possess a strong belief in people's ability to grow and change
IV. WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work at multiple sites including school and office settings
- Considerable time is spent sitting and using a computer
- Attendance at various meetings at schools, the agency, and in the community
- Regular travel among schools located in Sunset Park and CFL's central location
- Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work
- Fast-paced, high-energy, and highly collaborative environment
- This is a full-time, in-person position
V. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY The Benefits Specialist in the School-Based Early Support Program focuses on screening families for public benefits, completing enrollments, conducting advocacy, and connecting families to other concrete resources as part of a community-based partnership between CFL and neighborhood schools. The Benefits Specialist is an ambassador for CFL, interacting at all times with respect and kindness, generosity, and solution-focused problem-solving. BENEFITS
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits along with the opportunity to participate in additional voluntary life, disability, and 403B retirement plan
- Up to four weeks of paid vacation
- Individual supervision and ongoing professional development opportunities
This is a Full-time non-exempt position at 35 hours per week. Salary Description $45,000 per year