Entitlement Specialist - Supported Housing Cortelyou

Position: Entitlements Specialist

Location: Cortelyou Rd Supportive Housing Program - Flatbush

Hours: Full Time - 35 hours per week Monday - Friday - Ability to work 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm, twice a week (Schedule TBD)

Salary Range: $45,000 - $47,000

Reports to: Assistant Program Director

About the Program: Founded in 1866, Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) empowers children and families to reach their full potential, strengthen families, and foster self-sufficiency in adults. With programs in 40 locations, BCS serves more than 20,000 individuals a year.

Cortelyou is a 46 unit supportive housing program located in Flatbush Brooklyn. The Program specially services young adults 18-25 years old with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness and have a chronic history of being unhoused. Most of the young adults living at Cortelyou are members of the LGBTQ community. The Program offers a safe environment and supportive services to help our young adults to move towards long term stability. This Program is under the NY/NY 15 population C agreement and funding is being provided through the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Position Summary:

Under the general guidance of the Assistant Program Director, the Entitlements Specialist will determine all tenants’ eligibility for any and all financial programs that might provide coverage for their personal and healthcare needs, including Medicaid; Affordable Connectivity and Energy Affordable Program, Life Line, pantries and other community resources. The Entitlement Specialist’s primary responsibility will be working with Cortelyou’s staff to assist in the securing government benefits for clients that are eligible to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Provide consistent high quality program services in accordance with funder and regulatory requirements; best practices; BCS policies and Core Values; and Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. Serve as a role model to all stakeholders.

• Input, retrieve, and manage data in the agency’s electronic health record system (Apricot) and the city’s data system (TMS), per agency and program standards and expectations.

• Provide assistance in obtaining and maintaining all government benefits and services for which the client is potentially eligible.

• Assist clients in applying for entitlements through the various ways to apply, including reminder calls with respect to recertification and guidance on using existing technology/websites/apps;

• Conduct follow-up for outcomes;

• Assist clients in obtaining documentation such as birth certificates, social security card and any additional document required for application processes;

• Provide individual counseling to participants around benefits-related issues; and or other issues that may arise;

• Submit weekly and monthly reports to Assistant Director

• Assist and coordinate with external providers that are affiliated with BCS for presentations and outreach services to clients;

• Attend trainings as required;

• Participate in and support advocacy efforts at Cortelyou Supportive Housing Program including being knowledgeable of all wrap-around services provided by DOHMH.

• Establish, maintain, and grow new and existing relationships with community leaders and organizations to create community linkages

• Help to increase effectiveness and collaboration among MHANY and Cortelyou Supportive Housing Program

• Provide support services to clients, either in the tenant’s apartment or in the BCS office.

• Assist in resolving tenant issues and disputes

• Other tasks, as may be required.

Qualifications Required:

• Associate degree or strong record of relevant experience

• Knowledge of Government Assistance Programs

• Previous work experience in a social service agency or non-profit organization

• Interest in working with underserved populations.

• Strong communication and organizational skills; great attention to detail

• Ability to trouble-shoot complex issues in regards to the application process when applying for governmental benefits.

• Proven ability to work with a range of people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances

• Maintain client and staff confidentiality

• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Gmail, etc.)

• Ability to work until 8 pm, twice a week

• Bilingual skills in Spanish a plus

• Familiarity electronic data records systems

BCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities