Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention 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 New York City.

Position Summary:

The Benefits Specialist will provide enrollment services and conduct outreach for various government and other benefits and entitlements targeting underserved communities. The Benefits Specialist will also be responsible for providing clientele with education, assessment, and facilitated enrollment services to these benefits and entitlements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

As part of the Chesed Center Department, the Benefits Specialist will work with a team to conduct outreach and enrollment, targeting the working poor, seniors, and immigrant communities. Under the supervision of the Director, the Benefits Specialist will:

• Conduct outreach to community-based organizations, emergency food programs, and other partners, providing information on Chesed Center services and benefits rules and regulations.
• Educate potentially eligible clients about various benefits and entitlements.
• Screen, counsel, and advise clients on necessary documentation and eligibility requirements for various government and other benefits and entitlements.
• Provide facilitated enrollment services to clients to apply and recertify for many available benefits.
• Responsible for ensuring that all applications are complete with proper supporting documentation.
• Responsible for tracking client submissions in Salesforce/AWARDS, Met Council’s database system and filing client information.
• Provide case management and advocacy assistance to clients if issues arise, working in tandem with local government offices and other Chesed Center team members.
• Occasional travel to local program centers for in-person meetings.
• Attend community outreach events, fairs and forums as needed.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Competencies:

• Sensitivity and cultural competency in working with low-income communities of New York City, familiarity with Boro Park area of Brooklyn strongly preferred.
• Comfort using online technologies and database systems on a daily basis.
• Benefits screening.
• Public speaking, including making presentations in various settings.
• Exceptional customer service skills; ability to help clients navigate through barriers while adhering to Human Resources Administration (HRA) protocol and policies.
• Attention to detail to ensure that client applications are submitted properly and with necessary documentation.
• Serve the diverse needs of clients with professionalism and patience.
• Promptness and adherence to regular work hours is particularly important for this position, as successful candidate is providing direct services to the community.

Skill and Education Required:

• High School Diploma (required), Bachelor’s Degree (preferred).
• Background in Public Health, Public Administration or Human Services.
• Additional language capabilities, Yiddish (required).
• Prior experience working with low-income communities (preferred).
• Knowledge of government benefits is a plus.

Physical Demands:

1. Required Constantly: Walking, sitting, grasping, bending, stooping, squatting, computer input, finger dexterity and coordination of hand, eye and foot.
2. Required Frequently: Standing and climbing stairs; carrying laptop & files (approx. 8-10 lbs).
3. 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 New York City. The primary location for this position will be in the Boro Park area of Brooklyn. The Benefits Specialist will be stationed within the community on a rotating schedule that will be organized by the Director.

Compensation: $23 to $30 per hour.

Benefits: Pre-tax commuter benefits; 403(b); plus pro-rated vacation, sick leave and holidays.