Entitlements Specialist
Title: Entitlements Coordinator
Program: Third Street Men’s Shelter
Overall Responsibilities
Under the general guidance of the Shelter Director, the Entitlements Coordinator determines the clients’ eligibility for any and all financial programs that might provide coverage for their personal and healthcare needs, including Medicaid; performs related duties.
Program Description
East Third Street is an emergency men’s shelter which helps 175 individuals with substance abuse histories work towards health, sobriety, and, ultimately, permanent housing and employment. In addition to lodging and three meals a day, clients receive comprehensive case management services, plus an array of on-site substance abuse related and health care services provided by different programs such as Medically Supervised Outpatient Withdrawal Services, (MSOWS), Chemical Dependency Crisis Service (CDCS), and Outpatient Recovery Center.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The essential duties of the Entitlement Coordinator include but are not limited to the following activities:
- Meets with incoming clients and assesses their needs for entitlement services.
- Advises clients of entitlement possibilities and refers them for Medicaid/Medicare, Public Assistance, & Food Stamps as needed.
- Ensures that all clients receive the benefits to which they are entitled, particularly Public Assistance and Social Security.
- Assists Case Managers in helping their clients apply for Social Security benefits.
- Regularly updates the IMA, CARES, and CPS computer systems to reflect each client’s current entitlement status, to ensure that Case Managers can access the most current information at all times, quickly and efficiently.
- Attends weekly case conferences with social service staff and provides entitlement case updates in order to ensure that each client smoothly and quickly transitions into housing.
- Liaisons with Federal, City, and State agencies providing entitlements services, including, but not limited to Social Security, SSI, Medicaid, SSD Medicaid, and housing vouchers.
- When needed, escorts clients to attend meetings on entitlement benefits.
- Provides education about Public Assistance and related programs; provides information regarding client documentation, immigration, and other entitlements programs to clients and staff.
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervisory staff.
Physical Activities
While performing the duties of this position, the Entitlements Coordinator must walk the ten steps to enter the facility. In the event the elevator is out of order, the Entitlements Coordinator must walk between three flights of stairs, lobby to mezzanine, climbing up and down the staircases, totaling 62 steps. Furthermore, the Entitlements Coordinator must stand to talk to staff, sit for extended periods of time at the computer, and reach, or squat to get records from the files.
Education Requirements
BA plus required experience as detailed below
Experience Requirements
One (1) year of experience working with homeless adults, preferably with substance abuse issues.
Preferred skills:
Teamwork: Ability to work cooperatively with peers, staff, and other agencies, in order to serve the needs of the clients as effectively as possible.
Communication: Demonstrated excellent oral, writing, and listening skills in dealing with clients.
Interpersonal skills: An ability to interface with clients, as well as all levels of staff. .
Computer: Knowledge of case management software ad proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially email and EXCEL.
Language: Bilingual or Multilingual a plus.
All newly hired Project Renewal staff must provide verification of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.