Benefits Specialist

Sunrise: Since 2015, Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center is the largest provider of homeless services in Travis County! We offer pathways to housing for people experiencing homelessness through low-barrier access to wraparound services by providing innovative, trauma-informed, and person-centered programming that engages our communities and leads system-wide transformation. Through the Sunrise Hub day center, Sunrise Hotline call center, Sunrise Mobile outreach and shelter services, and Sunrise Housing program we serve more than 8,000 people experiencing homelessness each year.

Job Title: Benefits Specialist

Position Status: PT

Location: Hub

Compensation: $25 per hour

Reports To: Wellness Program Manager

FLSA Classification: Non Exempt

Position Summary:

The PRN Benefits Specialist at Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center helps manage, and administer employee benefit programs and assist unhoused clients in accessing public benefits. This position assists in contacting clients regarding benefit inquiries, enrollment, and claims processing, this position collaborates with various partner agencies and Sunrise's internal teams (Hub, Mobile, and Hotline) to ensure compliance with legal regulations and organizational policies. Success in this role relies on effective communication, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of benefits administration, enabling the specialist to support both employees and unhoused individuals in navigating benefit programs effectively.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Bilingual in English and another language preferred (Spanish, French, Arabic, or others).
• Experience with HMIS, SOAR, Case Management, and Social Security is a plus.
• Previous experience in benefits administration within a nonprofit or social service setting focused on homelessness.
• Knowledge of medical or mental healthcare systems and willingness to work in direct care.
• Preference for minority applicants and individuals with lived experience of homelessness.

Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences, including staff and clients experiencing homelessness, through written, verbal, interpersonal interactions, and computer-based communication.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to achieve shared goals.
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to assisting unhoused individuals in accessing and maintaining public benefits.
• Ability to work within a high-tolerance, harm-reduction model, supporting individuals with multiple barriers.
• Self-motivated and proactive in navigating a fast-paced work environment.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local regulations governing employee benefits and public assistance programs.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide support and guidance to employees and unhoused individuals navigating complex benefit programs and eligibility criteria.
• Position will assist Outreach, Hotline and Housing teams with benefits support. This may include travel, and mileage will be reimbursed.
• Maintain a professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency.
• Assist unhoused clients in the screening, assessment, and enrollment in a range of health benefits services, including coordinated assessments, MAP, food stamps, and social security benefits.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to optimize the organization's benefits package and enhance employee satisfaction and well-being.
• Process benefit enrollment changes and terminations accurately and in a timely manner.
• Resolve benefit-related issues and discrepancies by working closely with benefit providers, employees, and unhoused clients.
• Assist in the development and implementation of benefit communication strategies to educate employees and unhoused individuals about available benefits and resources.
• Maintain accurate and secure records and documentation related to employee benefits and public assistance programs.
• Participate in audits and compliance reviews related to benefits administration.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of policies and procedures related to benefits at Sunrise.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and adhere to privacy and confidentiality regulations.
• Demonstrate strong boundaries in decision-making and safety planning.
• Ensure adherence to funding source contracts and performance standards; prepare written reports on program activities as assigned and as required by funding sources.
• Ensure all paperwork and data collection is complete, timely, accurate, and current in agency records and HMIS electronic databases through ongoing audits of electronic databases and spreadsheet reviews.
• Depending on licensure, this position may include supervision of social work interns.

Position Considerations:

• Part-time position working 30 hours per week from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
• Must be comfortable working in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Shared office and coworking space setting.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and move throughout the workspace.
• Must be able to function effectively in high-energy and noisy environments.
• Commitment to providing supportive and compassionate care to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Willingness to take on additional tasks as assigned.

Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunity.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Can you describe your experience with trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches in supporting individuals facing homelessness, mental illness, substance use, or medical challenges?

Experience:

• homeless services: 1 year (Preferred)
• case management: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25