Overview
Eligibility Specialist I Jobs in Sacramento, CA at SHELTER, Inc.
ORGANIZATION: SHELTER, Inc. is an independent, community-based non-profit organization created in 1986 to lead Contra Costa County’s effort to eliminate homelessness. We now serve Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano Counties.
MISSION: To prevent and end homelessness among low-income, homeless, and disadvantaged families and individuals by providing housing services, support and resources that lead to self-sufficiency.
JOB TITLE: Eligibility Specialist
STATUS: Non-exempt/Full Time
TEAM: Programs
REPORTS TO: Director of Programs
SUPERVISES: None
PURPOSE of ROLE: This position interviews participants and prospective clients to determine their eligibility for a wide range of social services. Gathers and verifies information. Assists participants and clients to complete application forms for government and other social services and submits for approval.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with Case Managers to engage participants in need of services and identify potential candidates
Performs interactive interviews to elicit eligibility information, obtain and/or verify financial, employment, tax and personal demographic information and determine eligibility for public assistance programs and services
Explains regulations, rules, and policies to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for participation in various public assistance programs and services
Work with a core group of individuals consistently over time in order to create a plan to meet their needs, particularly with those who may not independently seek services
Proactively initiate non-judgmental conversation and a consistent presence
Assist individuals applying for disability benefits using the eligibility components;
Initiate paperwork with consumers by filing initial documentation of representation with SSA office
Complete interviews with participants to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
Write Medical Summary Reports for participant applications
Accompany participants to appointments at the Social Security Administration and maintain communication with Social Security Administration (SSA) and the California State Disability Department regarding cases
Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for case
Consult with team members on strategies
Provide case management assistance and coordinate complex needs of multiple individuals within a larger continuum of care
Identify other community resources and provide in-depth referrals to housing and medical and mental health services
Maintain records in EHMIS, including progress notes, incident reports, referrals, and psychosocial assessments in timely manner
Represent SHELTER, Inc. and the Homeless Programs at trainings, community meetings, and other venues as needed
Attend any trainings/certifications as required
Perform other duties as assigned
EXPECTED PROFICIENCIES:
Knowledge of social service resource systems (SSI, SDI, Medi-Cal, etc.).
Knowledge and skills in handling substance abuse and mental health issues.
Knowledge of public benefits and financial resources available in the Fairfield community.
Ability to successfully develop relationships utilizing motivational interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of family budgeting and money management.
Thoroughness and accuracy with data collection, entry and quality control in a web based database.
Patience/tolerance and tact/diplomacy.
Clear/firm-yet-flexible boundaries, consistent energy level and positive demeanor.
Professionalism: high level of integrity and strong ethical values show capacity to maintain highest standards of confidentiality with all records, including organizational and individual information.
Strong oral/written communication and listening skills.
Self-motivated and accountable for work time and other agency resources.
Quality control: demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, monitors own work to ensure quality and applies feedback to improve performance.
Well organized: able to effectively manage multiple assignments to meet project deadlines.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelors degree in human services or related field.
2 years of experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness who have mentally illness and/or are dually diagnosed
Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse clinical techniques
Knowledge of East Bay (Contra Costa and Solano Counties) area social service resources
Superior interpersonal, oral communication, writing, and computer skills;
Superior organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines;
Ability to build rapport with a diverse population, developing trust and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments
Ability to cultivate partnerships and positive relationships with other providers and community stakeholders;
Must drive personal car on behalf of agency business and have a DMV record that permits driver to be insured under SHELTER, Inc.s automobile coverage.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Five years experience working as an Eligibility Specialist
Masters Degree with emphasis in social services, psychology or related fields
Familiarity with federal and state public benefits programs and/or SOAR
SOAR Certification
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described below 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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel objects. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
There are no unusual environmental conditions. Typically, the noise level in the work environment is quiet.
Benefit Package Includes
18 days of Paid Time Off to start, stepping up to 25 days over 8 years (vacation, sick, personal)
15 paid holidays including your birthday!
Tuition reimbursement
Medical insurance Fully paid employee coverage of at least three plans and 50% of dependents premium (Kaiser, Sutter Health and Anthem Blue Cross)
Dental Fully paid employee coverage and 50% of your dependents premium
Vision Fully paid employee coverage and 50% of your dependents premium
Flexible spending account
Group term Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Fully paid employee coverage
Long-term disability insurance Fully paid employee coverage
Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary Pet Insurance through Wishbone Pet Insurance
Voluntary Aflac insurances
403b Retirement Plan with matching contribution
Title: Eligibility Specialist I
Company: SHELTER, Inc.
Location: Sacramento, CA
