Benefits Specialist for School Based Early Support Program
Brooklyn, NY, United States
Job Type
Full-time
Description
JOB 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