Benefits Advocate

Benefits Advocate

Permanent- The Villa, 3114 Villa Avenue, Bronx, New York, United States of America Req #1175 Monday, July 29, 2024

Title : Benefits Advocate (Hybrid)

Program : Geffner House (NY, NY) & The Villa (Bronx, NY)

Salary Range : $57,000-$62,000 annually

Program Description :

Geffner House is a 305-unit supportive Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building, that provides permanent housing for low-income men and women, including people with serious and persistent mental illness;

individuals who are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction; and people who are living with HIV / AIDS. Tenants are offered a comprehensive array of services that are funded by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

The Villa is a congregate supportive housing facility that opened in 2015. It provides supportive housing in studio units and services to a total of 56 tenants, 47 who are active substance users and 9 with serious mental illness.

Tenants are offered a comprehensive array of services that are funded by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

The Benefits Advocate will be part of a multi-disciplinary team that works collaboratively between both buildings with clients to overcome barriers to recovery, stabilization, and independence.

As part of this effort, the Benefits Advocate works with participants to access benefits that include public assistance, food stamps, public health insurance, and disability benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties of the Benefits Advocate include but are not limited to the following activities :

• Assists clients with access to available public benefits including but not limited to Public Assistance, SNAP, public health insurance, and Federal disability benefits
• Makes eligibility determinations, processes applications, and completes all related follow-up
• Develops resources and contacts to facilitate clients’ access to benefits in a timely manner
• Complete case notes for all interactions with clients and for collateral contacts with outside agencies
• Escort clients to Fair Hearings and other HRA appointments, as necessary
• Works in conjunction with the Case Managers other clinical department staff members to schedule / accompany clients to appointments for entitlements and healthcare
• Coordinates reminders and transportation arrangements to ensure that appointments are kept
• Provides coaching to clients about how to maximize and keep their benefits active
• Provides clients and staff with updated information and direction in acquiring and maintaining entitlements with city, state, and federal entitlement programs
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Clinical Director, Clinical Coordinator and / or Program Director
• Physical Activities While performing duties of this position, the Benefit Advocate must stand to talk to clients and staff, sit for extended periods of time at the computer, and reach or squat to get records from the files.

The Benefit Advocate must be able to use the New York City Transit system to escort clients to scheduled appointment, if needed.

Education and Skills Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferred
• High School Diploma or GED required and
• A minimum of one (2) years of experience working with in a non-profit or government organization providing social services to a target population which includes but is not limited to the homeless, mentally ill, substance, use, HIV / AIDS, criminal justice, and LGBTQIA+
• Ability to work cooperatively with peers and other staff in order to serve the needs of the clients as effectively and efficiently as possible.
• An ability to work independently and to adjust one’s schedule to accommodate the needs of the clients.
• Communication : Excellent oral, writing, and listening skills
• Interpersonal : Ability to effectively role-model socially appropriate behavior; and to treat residents and coworkers with respect and help to create a warm, supportive environment;

and to work effectively with homeless individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and / or substance use issues.

Ability to enforce rules and regulations in a non-judgmental manner

• Knowledge of Case Management software (AWARDS). Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus

All newly hired Project Renewal staff must provide verification of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Other details

• Pay Type Salary
• Employment Indicator Regular
• Min Hiring Rate $57,
• Max Hiring Rate $62,
• Required Education Bachelor’s Degree
• Permanent- The Villa, 3114 Villa Avenue, Bronx, New York, United States of America

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