Income and Benefits Specialist (SSVF)
Description
Compensation: $28.32/hour
*This position does not require driving/MVR clearance.*
Benefits:
- Free Dental & Vision
- 19 Paid Holidays - Including 4 Mental Health Days
- 15 Vacation days & 10 Sick Days Annually
- Retirement Plan with a match
- Paid Training
- 10-year anniversary sabbatical
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Professional Development Allowance
- Paid Parental Leave benefit
- Discounted Pet Insurance
- Affordable Health Insurance, including a free healthcare option for employees
- 50% coverage paid by employer for dependents (vision, dental, health)
- and many more!
Company Overview
For more than 50 years, Insight Housing has provided a comprehensive range of housing, food, and support services to help those in need move from homelessness into a safe and affordable home of their own. We serve in seven counties in the bay area - Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Amador County. We are proud of our team members who are very dedicated to our mission of ensuring everyone in our community has a home through supportive, equitable, and sustainable housing solutions.
Program Overview
A Pathway to Housing for Homeless Veterans- Insight Housing Roads Home program assists low-income Veteran families experiencing homelessness to attain housing placement and housing stability. The program provides street and venue-based outreach, case management, permanent housing placement, temporary financial assistance, employment assistance, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits. The program will work with all participants to develop and carry out action plans that improve their health and wellness.
Position Summary
The Income and Benefits Specialist (IBS) position is key to ensuring participant’s long-term housing stability and achieving Insight Housing’s annual goals and outcomes. The IBS is responsible for assisting program participants to increase their income and remain stably housed. The IBS partners with the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) by providing referrals for employment assistance for those Veterans who can work. For those Veterans who are unable to work, the IBS will assist with obtaining VA benefits and/or SSI/SSDI benefits. The IBS works in close coordination with the Case Manager and with the employment services team across Insight Housing programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist participants with SSI/SSDI application using SOAR.
- Assist Veterans with VA benefits enrollment, Service-Connected Disability, restarting disability benefits, SSI/SSDI benefit enrollment, and providing healthcare access and resources.
- Maintain concise and up-to-date client files, including required documentation and case/progress notes, complete and accurate completion of paperwork and HMIS data entry in a timely manner.
- Assist Veteran with financial literacy, including budgeting, money management and savings
- Facilitate financial literacy and money management classes for participants.
- Maintain Veteran participant caseload, using case management approach focused on increasing income. Make referrals to in-house and outside services as appropriate, including counseling on mental health issues, legal advocacy, job readiness workshops, and pre-employment training.
- Assess participant’ readiness for work and guide them through the referral process for HVRP.
- Work with participants to develop an individualized strengths-based smart goal plan addressing the needs and barriers identified in the assessment process.
- Refer participants to appropriate education, training and employment resources. Determine eligibility for federal/state employment & training programs.
- Case coordinate with Case Manager and community service providers to support participant success.
- Adhere to laws regarding confidentiality and reporting requirements; maintain knowledge of current HIPAA certification standards.
- Have a clear understanding of PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, alcohol and drug dependency and other mental health issues.
- Drive your own or agency vehicle to the field and to other program sites, as required; documenting and reporting mileage according to agency procedures, so that services can be provided in a timely manner; comply with agency vehicle policy at all times.
- Participate in promoting a safe, healthy, and clean working environment consistent with agency’s health and safety practices.
- Attend and participate in all meetings and trainings as assigned.
- Complete and submit timesheets in a timely and accurate manner.
- Work within the framework of Insight Housing’s Code of Conduct.
- Perform other tasks as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities
- High school required. Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or related field a plus.
- Ability to complete CPR/First Aid Training.
- 1 year experience providing direct support services to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, substance abuse or other social issues required. Relevant internship and volunteer experience will be considered. Prior customer service, administrative, and any social service benefits handling experience will be considered.
- Proficient in use of computer and Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and TEAMS). Experience with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) a plus
- Commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Understanding of and sensitivity to issues related to homeless, low income, mentally disabled, and chemically dependent persons.
- Lived or Veterans experience strongly preferred.
- Ability to interact in a supportive and professional manner with staff and clients of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
- Ability to provide good customer service. Communicate effectively and maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
- Capable of working independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and crisis intervention skills with a can do and flexible attitude. Ability to work well under high pressure.
- Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance at all times.
Special Requirements
- Must be able to receive and maintain criminal records clearance.
Physical Requirements
- Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
- Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, talk, hear, and see clearly.
- May be occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
- May be required to lift or move up to 50 lbs.
We are extremely proud of our diverse team and welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.