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 program, 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:

With a special focus on New York City’s vulnerable communities, the Benefits Specialist will conduct outreach 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 outreach with the purpose of helping New Yorkers gain 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 (HEAP), 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 outreach and education at community sites and partner agencies to share information about SNAP, health insurance, NYC Care, and other low-income benefits.
• Attending community outreach events, fairs, and forums as needed. Occasionally, this will involve nontraditional work hours.
• Educating and guiding households and individuals about the SNAP Program’s eligibility criteria and application requirements and processes –in person at assigned sites or by phone (when required).
• Pre-screening households and individuals to identify those who are potentially eligible for the SNAP Program.
• Helping potentially eligible households and individuals gain 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 via web-based tools (e.g., Access HRA).
• Working in tandem with staff at partner agencies, other Met Council departments, and local SNAP Centers.
• Connecting clients with our department’s Health Insurance Assistor to receive enrollment services when applicable.
• Connecting clients with other low-income programs and benefits via internal/external referrals.
• Documenting all services rendered in Salesforce 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, HEAP, WIC, etc.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Solid communication skills.
• Strong prioritizing ability.
• Sensitivity and cultural competency in working with low-income communities of New York City.
• 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); bachelor’s 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:

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 locations for this position will be in Manhattan & Bronx. Other locations may be assigned (as needed).
• The Benefits Specialist will be stationed within the community on a rotating schedule that will be organized by the Department’s 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.