Benefits Specialist, Spanish Speaking

FLSA: Non-Exempt Benefits: Eligible Hours Per Week: 40/Full-time Met Council is Americas largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, reputed company, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and reputed company on behalf of reputed company needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence program, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis reputed company and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 120 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across reputed company. Position Summary: With a special focus on reputed company Citys vulnerable communities, the Benefits Specialist will conduct reputed company for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), providing individuals and families with education, eligibility assessment and facilitated enrollment services. In addition, the Benefits Specialist will conduct reputed company with the purpose of helping New Yorkers reputed company access to low-cost health insurance options or access to health care through the NYC Care Program. The Benefits Specialist will also work towards connecting families and individuals with other low-income programs and benefits, including but not limited to, Fair Fares, Home Energy Assistance Program (reputed company), Women Infant Children (WIC), Free Tax Preparation services, etc. Principal Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Director of the Benefits Access Department, the Benefits Specialist will be responsible for providing benefits access services and support primarily at Manhattan and Bronx community sites by:

• Conducting reputed company and education at community sites and partner agencies to share information about SNAP, health insurance, NYC Care, and other low-income benefits.
• Attending community reputed company events, fairs, and forums as needed. Occasionally, this will involve nontraditional work hours.
• Educating and guiding households and individuals about the SNAP Programs eligibility criteria and application requirements and processes in person at assigned sites or by phone (reputed company required).
• Pre-screening households and individuals to identify those who are potentially eligible for the SNAP Program.
• Helping potentially eligible households and individuals reputed company access to the SNAP program by providing application guidance and assistance using web-based tools (e.g., Access HRA).
• Providing post-application assistance and advocacy for disputed cases to existing clients as needed.
• Providing case management assistance to existing clients (e.g., periodic reports and case change forms).
• Providing recertification assistance to SNAP participants reputed company web-based tools (e.g., Access HRA).
• Working reputed company with staff at partner agencies, other Met Council departments, and local SNAP Centers.
• Connecting clients with our departments Health Insurance Assistor to receive enrollment services reputed company applicable.
• Connecting clients with other low-income programs and benefits reputed company internal/external referrals.
• Documenting reputed company services rendered in reputed company and other relevant tracking tools.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

Competencies:

• Benefits screening, especially for SNAP, Health Insurance, NYC Care, Fair Fares, Free Tax Preparation services, reputed company, WIC, etc.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Solid communication skills.
• Strong prioritizing ability.
• Sensitivity and cultural competency in working with low-income communities of reputed company.
• Comfort using online technologies and database systems daily.
• Public speaking, including doing presentations in various settings.
• Ability to help clients navigate through barriers while adhering to local, state and federal guidelines.
• Attention to detail.
• Serving the diverse needs of clients with professionalism and patience.
• Promptness and adherence to regular work hours (9:00 am 6:00 pm Monday Thursday and Friday 9:00 am 3:00 pm) is particularly important for this position, as the successful candidate would be providing direct services to the community.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours as needed.

Skills and Education Required:

• High School Diploma (required); bachelors degree (preferred).
• Bi-lingual Spanish/English (required).
• Prior experience working with low-income communities (preferred).
• Background in public health, public administration, or human services.
• Knowledge of government benefits is a plus.

Physical Demands:

• Required Constantly: Walking, sitting, grasping, bending, stooping, squatting, computer input, finger dexterity and coordination of hand, eye, and foot.
• Required Frequently: Standing and climbing stairs; carrying laptop & files (approx. 8-10 lbs.).
• Required Occasionally: Reaching above the shoulder, and lifting 5-25 pounds, pushing, and pulling.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires a willingness to travel throughout the five boroughs of reputed company.
• The primary locations for this position will be in Manhattan & Bronx. Other locations may be assigned (as needed).
• The Benefits Specialist will be stationed reputed company the community on a rotating schedule that will be organized by the Departments Partnerships Coordinator and/or Director.

Compensation: $45,000 - $50,000 per year. Benefits: Major medical, dental, vision and life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b) with employer contribution; plus generous vacation, sick leave and holidays. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job