There are 18 CJSCs across the state with 10 managed by the Old Colony YMCA. Clients attend CJSC to participate in programs designed to improve their lives and avoid further criminal justice involvement. Each CJSC offers about 15 different programs, including cognitive behavioral treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and to improve decision making, employment counseling, and Adult Basic Education, GED/HiSET, and post-secondary preparation.

The Public Benefits Case Manager will specialize in connecting Springfield Community Justice Support Center (CJSC) clients to public benefits and privileges that support successful outcomes including MassHealth, SNAP benefits, SSI and SSDI, state IDs and any other relevant public health benefits that support better outcomes for clients. By ensuring that clients are engaged with appropriate public benefits to address emerging needs the Public Benefits Case Manager will help clients become more responsive to treatment, education and employment services delivered by CJSC staff as part of a treatment plan. He/she will be familiar with resources available in the surrounding communities, networking within those communities, making referrals to community supports as needed and documenting participant progress at the CJSC.

• Conduct intake interviews with participants to identify essential needs (housing, food, healthcare, personal finance) and provide pathways to access benefits and services available through state agencies/benefits providers and work with CJSC staff to educate and assist in connecting participants to these benefits.
• Receive information from actuarial risk/needs assessment tools to determine essential needs and actively support participant access to needed services and benefits through various pathways.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local community partners who can provide core and pro-social services/activities to clients and connect clients to these services/activities.
• Core and Pro Social Services include but are not limited to: Core Services to include DTA for SNAP benefits, SSI and SSDI benefits, Veteran’s benefits, education, vocational services / employment services and employment, behavioral health, medical services, housing, food, insurance and other benefits. Pro-social Services to include civic engagement / community service, recreation, faith-based activities, gender-specific activities, mentoring services/activities.
• Act as the CJSC liaison for local community partners and state agencies/benefits providers to ensure streamlined and effective communication and access for clients and families including: becoming a Certified Application Coordinator to submit electronic benefits application to MassHealth and accessing DTA Connect to submit electronic benefits applications to SNAP.
• Master eligibility requirements for SSI, SSDI and Veteran’s benefits and support eligible participants in their application for benefits.
• Offer trainings and briefings to participants and or CJSC staff on various areas of benefits and service programs.
• Maintain documentation of information specific to established resources, participant referral/participation in resources and information provided to CJSC staff.
• Cross-train in actuarial assessment tools for risk/need, treatment planning and contingency

Education & Experience:

• Associate’s degree required in related field.
• Good oral and written presentation skills.
• Minimum of one year of experience engaging in case management activities such as enrolling consumers in public benefits programs.
• Computer skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams).
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License and good driving record.
• Must be able to walk, sit, stand, drive and bend during the work day.

The Old Colony YMCA has been listening and responding to our communities’ most critical social needs since 1887. We continue to condemn systemic racism, bias and discrimination of all kinds. When confronted with instances of injustice, we will address the root cause and commit to meaningful change. We know that when we work as one, we move people and communities forward.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.50 - $24.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Springfield, MA 01103: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person