Consumer Benefits Specialist - I/DD Programs

Location: Middletown, NY

Pay Rate: $23.00 per hour

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM (40Hrs)

• Coordination between Program and Finance Staff to trouble shoot and solve consumer Representative Payee entitlement issues with Social Security (this will include meeting with individuals and their support team representing them at Social Security Appointments).
• Request appeals and Fair Hearing when necessary and follow to resolution.
• Provide healthcare planning and counseling such as applying and maintaining SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare, recertification’s with support from Finance/Program staff.
• Complete any SSA Reports necessary from Social Security in a timely manner (i.e.: disability update report -interview with individual and/or program to complete).
• Respond to SSI (SSA) and SSDI (Medicaid) asset limit alerts by Finance Specialists and ensure spending plan with program with collection of receipts to avoid interruptions in benefits.  i.e.:  suspended benefit/services.
• Provide individual counseling to beneficiaries seeking employment and intensive follow up to ensure that the beneficiaries are using the work incentives appropriately by training the support team.
• Ensure consumer wages are reported monthly to SSA to avoid any overpayment matters by conducting Monthly routine check-in with identified staff.
• Knowledge of Trust Funds and application of funds.
• Keeps up-to-date with any changes or updates to SSA Rules and regulations.

• Fulfill duties as assigned by Assistant Director of Operations and the Leadership Team.

• Experience with Medicaid and other entitlement application and recertification procedures, rules and regulation is required.   
• The Benefits and Entitlements Specialist must have computer experience, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel) and database management. 
• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record in case it is necessary to accompany an individual to an appointment using an agency vehicle 
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills, as well as, organizational and planning skills
• Ability to function as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Possess sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics
• Ability to organize, multitask and prioritize duties and responsibilities efficiently
• Ability to work independently.
• The ability to work effectively within the guiding vision, mission, values and behaviors of Access: Supports for Living.

• The Benefits and Entitlements Specialist will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred with 2-3 years of experience  

• Internal candidate with at least 4 years’ experience and demonstrated capacity for increased responsibility. (Internal candidates may also be considered based on demonstrated performance and mastery of electronic health records and OPWDD and OMIG regulations and guidelines, SSA, SNAP.) 

• Certification for Benefit Planner preferred

• These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to perform the job's essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position, which are reviewed in each case.
• Must be capable to sit or stand in front of a computer for long-periods of time
• Able to work in open space floor plan
• Must be capable to move throughout work day and follow people served throughout community
• Work alongside co-workers within 3 feet
• Must be able to move in tight spaces
• Occasional lifting of > _25 pounds

EEO Employer

Salary : $23