Entitlement Benefits Specialist (Multi-Social Services)

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Founded in 1965, the Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc. (CPC) aims to promote the social and economic empowerment of Chinese American, immigrant, and low-income communities. Today, CPC is the nation's largest Asian American social services agency and offers more than 50 programs at over 35 sites throughout New York City, including early childhood education, school-age care, youth services, workforce development, community services, and senior services. CPC strives to be the premier social service and leadership development organization. In 2017, CPC launched Advancing Our CommUNITY, its organization-wide strategy to expand services to address persistent needs and emerging trends and to improve leadership skills among staff and community members. In 2022, our core programs and emergency services reached 200,000 people living in all five boroughs and all 51 city council districts. In the summer of 2022, CPC was recognized as the number one Chinese American organization in New York City to recommend to a Chinese immigrant looking for in-language and culturally competent resources according to a recent survey. This accomplishment is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of our staff. (For more information, please visit: https://www.cpc-nyc.org/)

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Multi-Social Services Center (MSS) is a walk-in center in Lower Manhattan that aims to meet the needs of the Chinese and immigrant community to assist recent entrant families adjust to their new environment in America. Our staff consists of bi- and tri-lingual and bi-cultural staff reflecting the diverse cultural background of our community. MSS assists community members with various entitlement applications such as SNAP, health benefits, and fair housing, translation of various benefit forms to aid families make the transition, ensure child health and wellness, and ease the burdens of seniors who have worked hard in the community for many years.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Program Director, the full-time Entitlement Benefits Specialist provides comprehensive prescreening and assistance for government entitlement benefits and immigration benefits. The Specialist will engage in multi-faceted activities to reach communities in all boroughs to result in a greater number of families enrolling into a spectrum of benefits. Most importantly, the Specialist will be part of the MSS department in delivering education and services to the community.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review individuals’ and families’ eligibility for the federal SNAP program and other benefits as appropriate.
• Assist eligible individuals and families with the SNAP application process and follow-up to ensure that benefits are received.
• Engage in mediation with the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and project partners to troubleshoot and resolve SNAP application issues, advocate on behalf of community members to help families to be enrolled into SNAP.
• Process SNAP application through AccessNYC.gov.
• Respond to telephone requests for information and follow up with callers regarding their requests for information.
• Screen for eligibility and assist community members in completing application forms for Medicaid (65 and above, Aged, Blind and Disabled Population), Extra Help SSA Low Income Subsidy (LIS) Application, EPIC and Medicare Savings Program and any other entitlement benefits
• Assist in the selection and enrollment in Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Provide assistance to community members in applying for various entitlement benefits such as affordable housing, senior housing or New York City Public Housing, or various housing benefits available such as SCRIE, DRIE, ERAP, etc.
• Pre-screen individuals for eligibility for immigration benefits and immigration services and assist with immigration applications as needed.
• Public speaking is required, along with active outreach efforts into the community, including community events, fairs and assigned pop-up sites.
• Act as a liaison between the community members and any city departments or service departments.
• Prepare reports as required by funding source.
• Attend meetings and trainings as directed by funding source or Director.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned by the Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field preferred
• A minimum of a high school degree with at least four years of direct social service experiences, particularly in low-income communities, will be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree

Skills and Competencies:

• Good oral communication skills and ability to interact with a wide range of individuals.
• Good computer skills and experience with database software.
• Comfortable working independently in a constantly changing work environment
• Basic knowledge of government benefits programs and local service delivery systems preferred
• Bilingual in Chinese (Cantonese and/or Mandarin) and English a must.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be willing to travel within the 5 boroughs.
• Ability to carry laptop computer and material, weighing approximately 10 lbs.
• Willingness and ability to work on evenings and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS OVERVIEW

• $21.50 - $21.98 per hour; 35 hours per week
• CPC offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to generous paid time off (holiday, sick and vacation time), Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life Insurance Coverage, Commuter Benefits, and a 403(b) Retirement Plan

HOW TO APPLY

Interested individuals should submit their resume, along with a cover letter addressed to Gia Mui, when applying online via CPC’s website: https://www.cpc-nyc.org/jobs or selected online job boards. All documents should be submitted as one single file. Applicants may reach out to careers@cpc-nyc.org with any questions or further inquiries.

CPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CPC values a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages women, BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQ , individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

Salary : $22 - $22