Public Benefits Coordinator

Job Description

Job Title: Public Benefits Case Manager – Framingham CJSC

Reports To: Director, OCC Community Justice Support Center

The Public Benefits Case Manager will specialize in connecting CJSC participants to public benefits and privileges that support successful outcomes, including Mass Health, SNAP, SSI and SSDI, state IDs, and other relevant public health benefits. By ensuring clients are engaged with appropriate public benefits, the Case Manager helps participants become more responsive to treatment, education, and employment services delivered by CJSC staff as part of a treatment plan.

The role includes networking within the surrounding communities, making referrals to community supports as needed, and documenting participant progress  position upholds the values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.

• Conduct intake interviews with participants to identify essential needs (housing, food, healthcare, personal finance) and provide pathways to access benefits and services available through state agencies/benefit providers; work with CJSC staff to educate and assist in connecting participants to these benefits.
• Use actuarial risk/needs assessment tools to determine essential needs and actively support participant access to needed services and benefits through various pathways.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local community partners who can provide core and pro-social services/activities and connect clients to these services/activities.
• Core services include DTA for SNAP benefits, SSI and SSDI benefits, Veteran’s benefits, education, vocational/employment services, behavioral health, medical services, housing, food, insurance, and other benefits.
• Pro-social services include civic engagement/community service, recreation, faith-based activities, gender-specific activities, mentoring services/activities.
• Act as the CJSC liaison for local community partners and state agencies/benefits providers to ensure streamlined communication and access for clients and families, including becoming a Certified Application Coordinator to submit electronic benefits applications to Mass Health and accessing DTA Connect to submit electronic benefits applications to SNAP.
• Master eligibility requirements for SSI, SSDI, and Veteran’s benefits and support eligible participants in their benefit applications.
• Offer trainings and briefings to participants or CJSC staff on various benefits and service programs.
• Maintain documentation of information specific to established resources, participant referrals/participation, and information provided to CJSC staff.
• Cross-train in actuarial assessment tools for risk/need, treatment planning, and contingency management protocols as needed.
• Assist in the facilitation of groups as needed.

NONE

Adhere to all fiscal policies and procedures, such as petty cash, purchase orders, credit cards, and employee expenses as requested.

Ensure the highest level of cleanliness by cleaning and/or inspecting areas of responsibility.

• Attend all assigned meetings.
• Actively participate in the Y’s Annual Campaign.

Mission Advancement
:
Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

Collaboration
:
Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness
:
Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting…