Participant Benefits Coordinator (30005)

Description

Job Title: Benefits Coordinator

Job Summary: The Benefits Coordinator will work with adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) as part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing whole-person care to participants receiving outpatient mental health services. The Benefits Coordinator is responsible for helping participants access, apply for, and maintain various public benefits, including but not limited to Social Security benefits, food stamps (SNAP), and health insurance. This position involves collaboration as a part of the participant's care team and providing individualized support based on participants' needs, including assistance with applications, appointment coordination, and follow-up.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist participants with the application process for benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps (SNAP), and other entitlement programs.
• Transporting and accompanying individuals to entitlement agencies.
• Aiding individuals in obtaining identification and other critical documents.
• Coordinate appointments and provide in-person support to participants during interviews, assessments, and other benefit-related meetings.
• Serve as a liaison between participants and agencies that manage benefits to help resolve issues, track applications, and ensure continued eligibility.
• Regularly follow up with participants to ensure benefits are maintained, including assistance with recertification, appeals, and updating personal information.
• Provide clear and compassionate explanations of benefits options and requirements to participants, helping them understand eligibility criteria and the steps needed to secure benefits.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary care team to develop individualized support plans that address the benefits needs of each participant.
• Document participant interactions, benefit statuses, and progress in obtaining or maintaining benefits in an organized and timely manner.
• Stay up-to-date with changes in local, state, and federal benefits policies and programs and ensure that participants are informed of any changes that may affect their benefits.
• Advocate on behalf of participants in navigating complex systems and securing the resources they need to thrive.
• Assist participants with other needs related to financial stability and access to health care, as determined by the individual’s goals and care plan.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings, supporting a culture of collaboration and efficiency
• All other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications:

• QMHA qualification or ability to obtain through a Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or 3 years relevant field experience, or a combination of the two.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple participants and track a variety of benefit-related tasks.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to explain complex benefit programs in a clear and supportive manner.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, coordinating with clinicians, case managers, and other service providers.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptive in meeting the unique and changing needs of participants.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to be in the community for long stretches of time with participants.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to assist participants in accessing appointments and resources, as needed.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in social services or benefits coordination, especially with vulnerable populations.
• Understanding of federal, state, and local public benefits programs, including Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP.
• Experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, particularly in the area of benefits coordination.
• Knowledge of the application process for Social Security benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and other government assistance programs.
• Experience with case management or care coordination in a community mental health setting.
  
  

Work Environment: The Benefits Coordinator will work in a variety of settings, including office-based, in participants' homes, and at community service locations. Regular travel to assist participants in navigating benefits appointments and services is required.