Consumer Benefits Specialist II

GENERAL SUMMARY

Screens all consumers annually and upon entry into Center for Healthcare Services for eligibility for various benefit and entitlement programs including: Social Security Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare Part D, among others. Completes an initial application for consumers, monitors application status, and performs follow-up as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

· Interviews consumer to determine eligibility for benefits/programs. Assists eligible consumers with application process.

· Monitors and conducts follow up work on cases in medical development with Disability Determination Services (DDS). Acts as liaison with DDS and SSA. Provides medical records and information to DDS as requested.

· Maintains up-to-date caseloads and non-direct service logs. Enters data and uploads case files.

· Performs financial and medical screenings, completes benefits forms with potentially eligible clients, summarizes medical and interview information, and submits complete application to Social Security Administration.

· Receives and completes requests for information.

· Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

· High School diploma or equivalency and one (1) year of experience with Social Security Administration and/or Disability Determination Services application processes preferably in a state MHMR Center environment.

· Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for one year of the required experience or education.

Licenses or Certifications

· Must undergo the Consumer Benefits Newbie Training prior to the ability to submit work without approval and must undergo SOAR training prior to submitting claims under the SOAR program

Other Requirements

· Must maintain a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance coverage, be able to travel as needed, and be able to meet on a consistent basis the driving record requirements of the Company’s auto insurance carrier if you drive your vehicle during company business

· Must maintain required credentials and mandatory training requirements to ensure compliance with all State regulations and CHCS policies

· Must be able to meet the physical requirements to complete Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) and CPR training including lifting up to 12 lbs. and supporting up to 55 lbs.; bending, stooping and getting on and off the floor without assistance.

· Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) is a proven safe and harm-free method of behavior modification. All consumer-facing employees of CHCS must take NCI courses facilitated by the CHCS Training team within the first 45 days of employment.

· NCI is intended to support human service professionals in giving aggressive, disruptive, or out-of-control people the best care and welfare possible, even in the most violent situation.

· NCI training provides staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. It focuses on prevention and offers proven strategies for safely defusing anxious, hostile or violent behavior at the earliest possible stage.

· Depending on assigned unit/program, applicants for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following may result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Language Proficiency Pay (LPP) payments are subject to successful testing, certification by CHCS Payroll, and availability of funding. Funding may be renewed in subsequent fiscal years but is not guaranteed.

SUPERVISION

· Job has no responsibility for the direction or supervision of others.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

· Applicable software applications

· Benefits eligibility requirements

· Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment

· Regulations and reference materials related to benefit claims

Skilled in:

· Conducting interviews

· Organization and time management

· Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature

· Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios

Ability to:

· Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files

· Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships

· Maintain accurate and complete records

· Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries

· Meet schedules and deadlines of the work

· Screen clients for eligibility

· Understand and carry out oral and written directions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Must be able to meet the physical requirements to complete Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) and CPR training including lifting up to 12 lbs. and supporting up to 55 lbs.; bending, stooping and getting on and off the floor without assistance.

· Must have adequate mobility that requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching (vertical and horizontal), and using fingers, hands, feet, legs and torso in various care.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.46 - $17.78 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $18