Benefits Access Specialist

Job Description
Position Summary 
The Benefits Access Specialist – Benefits Access team member plays an essential role in enhancing the services provided by the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) to low-income families. The Benefits Access Mobile Unit, part of the Community Resources Team provides direct services to individuals and families through system navigation, application assistance and referrals.  The team acts as a subject matter expert (SME) on entitlements and benefits programs for Philadelphia residents and establishes, maintains, and shares current information with community partners and clients. The Benefits Access Mobile team develops resources, promote collaboration and build partnerships with key stakeholders to assist in outreach recruitment and coordination.   
This position is part of the broader Place-Based Initiatives unit and is responsible for identifying best practices and collaborating across the broader CEO team.  
Essential Functions 
Provide superior services that demonstrate the responsiveness of the Office to community needs, providing enhanced visibility, and positive impact.  
Document services provided and track clients’ progress to maximize impact and create an auditable paper trail to demonstrate the quality and impact of services.    
Interview clients and assess provided information to establish the nature of assistance needed and to determine their eligibility for benefits and entitlement programs. Answer consumer questions about entitlement programs, eligibility, and application procedures. Interpret and explain information such as eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods, and applicants' legal rights.   
Assist clients in preparing applications and forms for services and when appropriate refer applicants to other agencies for assistance. Document and evaluate personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status.   
Follow-up with clients to obtain needed documentation to complete their application and provide support to address obstacle to successful benefits enrollment.   
Collect information from clients to identify and report on the outcomes of the services rendered.  
Work with supervisor to assess challenges facing benefits site in providing benefits services and successful enrollment for clients, suggest solutions, and implement those changes as directed by supervisor.  
Participate in community-based activities and events promoting CEO and City initiatives; and disseminating community-based organizations (CBO) or partners resources supported by CEO.    
Identify potential initiatives conducive to the mission of CEO and Benefits Access Unit and mobile services.  
Assist in identifying and establishing satellite office hours at CBO’s in areas; and or target populations that are germane to the mission of CEO or interests of the Mayor and or Managing Director’s Office.    
Ensure that BAU client files are in compliance with Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) CSBG guidelines and regulations.  
Conduct initial intake to verify consumer eligibility for entitlement programs using benefits software. Collect accurate knowledge of when and where services begin and their end date.  
Keep records of assigned cases in agency’s data collection system. Use data collection software to assess client needs, document services rendered, develop a client’s customized services plan, and track progress towards mutually agreed upon goals, i.e. enrollment into entitlement program(s).  
Provide case notes that fully document services rendered.     
Locate and correct data entry errors or report them to supervisors.   
Complete monthly Characteristic, Services and Limited English Proficiency reports as outlined by CSBG and City of Philadelphia respective requirements.    
Work with supervisor to implement assigned human service programs when needed, e.g. ID Philly, Family Savings Account, Municipal ID, etc.  
Participate in on-going professional development trainings—both voluntarily and mandatory, such as in-services, staff meetings, conferences, etc.  
Provide translation services for all Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents.  
Stay abreast and inform Philadelphia residents of policy changes and implications as it relates to vulnerable populations.    
Other duties as assigned.  
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
Must have at least 3-5 years working in social services or related field.    
Must have some understanding of benefits and role of government in administering benefits programs.    
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ancillary software.