Public Benefits Specialist

Exempt

Driving Required

PATH is seeking candidates passionate about helping others make a positive change in their lives to join our Santa Clara team as the Public Benefits Specialist.

ABOUT PATH

Since its foundation in 4, PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) has pioneered bold and effective approaches to assist people experiencing homelessness.

PATH operates services throughout California, connecting our clients to a comprehensive continuum of homelessness prevention, street outreach, employment preparation and placement assistance, individualized case management, supportive services, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Public Benefits Specialist provides targeted support for benefits advocacy to individuals currently or at risk of or

experiencing homelessness. Position Responsibilities include :

Participate in street outreach activities to develop relationships and build rapport in the interest of connecting

clients to long-term services designed to help them obtain and maintain permanent housing and improve their

overall well-being.

• Receive and accept benefits assistance referrals.
• Initiate and track the progress of referrals throughout the provision of services.
• Provide strengths-based service coordination services designed to assist clients with obtaining and maintaining

mainstream benefits.

Provide mobile, field-based benefit advocacy services designed to ensure the highest possible rate of success for

benefits applications : Perform initial assessments to determine client eligibility for benefits such as, but not limited

to, SSI, SSDI, and those provided through the CDSS such as GA, CalFresh, and CalWORKS. Assist clients with

gathering documentation necessary to build comprehensive benefits applications which include all relevant

medical, school, behavioral health, and other applicable records. Work with clients’ previous health and mental

PATH is an Equal Opportunity Employer health care providers to obtain pertinent medical records. Assist clients with the submission of applications.

Monitor progress of submitted benefits applications and provide follow up and client advocacy as needed to help

ensure application success. Provide referrals to legal providers as appropriate for matters such as appeals

WHAT YOU BRING

We’re looking for candidates with :

Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail : Gather and interpret data, identifying trends, patterns, and insights to inform decision-making.

Ability to consistently produce high-quality work, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.

Collaboration and Teamwork : Work effectively with others, seeking out and building positive working relationships with colleagues, participants, and stakeholders.

Work effectively with others, contributing to team goals and recognizing the strengths and contributions of others.

• Communication : Convey information clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing) to individuals and groups in a manner that informs, engages and maintains their attention.
• Creativity and Initiative : Take action and make decisions without being prompted, demonstrating a proactive approach to work and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities.

Think outside the box, generating innovative solutions to problems or challenges.

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving : Analyze and evaluate information and situations, identify key issues, consider alternatives, and make logical decisions based on sound reasoning that will achieve the desired outcome.
• Ethics and Boundaries : Maintain ethical and professional standards, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing the right thing in all situations while maintaining professional boundaries.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in healthcare, case management, homeless services or working with vulnerable

populations.

Lived experience demonstrating successful recovery with issues related to homelessness, mental health, and / or

substance use challenges which can be utilized to enhance effectiveness of services by informing service models

and / or supporting clients through shared personal experiences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

One (1) years of experience in healthcare, case management, homeless services or working with vulnerable

populations or a related field

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Regardless of qualifications, candidates must :

• Have employment eligibility verification
• Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR / First Aid training
• Successfully complete the following as a condition of hire : Tuberculosis TestBackground ScreeningDrug Test

DRIVING

Driving is an essential function of this position. To meet the employment requirements for this role, all candidates must :

• Have reliable transportation
• A valid driver’s license
• Proof of insurance and ownership for personal vehicles used during work duties
• The ability to qualify for PATH's insurance coverage

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

FLEXIBLE WORK

We are a California employer. Therefore, all regular and customary work must be performed within the state. Approval for work outside of the office, does not establish approval for work to be conducted outside of California.

WHAT WE OFFER

In addition to a rewarding work environment, we offer our employees a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and a retirement plan.

READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH ACTION?

If this position sounds like a fit, please submit your application today. A resume is required.

PATH provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

In addition to federal law requirements, PATH complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

PATH will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

PATH is dedicated to racial and social justice by centering equity in our service delivery and maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment for the communities we serve.

We seek awareness and insight from witnessing the stories of our clients and learning from the experiences of our staff to ensure impactful systems change.

If people are empowered, they can bring their authentic, whole selves to work and when people feel like they belong, they can become part of a unified effort of ending homelessness for all.