Benefits Specialist

■ Summary
Under the supervision of the Benefits Assistance Clients' Urban Project (BACUP) Director, the Benefit Specialist is responsible for assisting clients with SSI/SSDI benefits based on their disability. The Benefit Specialist must be focused on benefit issues through regular meetings with clients and with intensive follow-up in all areas pertaining to the quality of life for those he/she represents. The Benefit Specialist must maintain accurate and neat folders and files that would pass an Auditor's review. The Benefit Specialist must always act in a professional manner as a Peer Specialist and adhere to all regulations, laws and standards set by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and those set by SSG and BACUP. The Benefit Specialist will be responsible for assisting the Director in the development of the BACUP Benefits Department. The Benefit Specialist will assist in all BACUP activities including but not limited to facilitating groups, dealing with benefit issues and other issues of concern to those in recovery from mental illness, including co-occurring and dual diagnoses. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
■ Essential Functions
• Represent clients for SSI and SSDI benefits at the BACUP office and, on occasion, community facilities.
• Responsible for maintaining confidentiality and following all regulations and laws as they pertain to privacy, HIPAA and confidentiality.
• Must do all work required to maintain high approval rating for clients applying for SSI and/or SSDI benefits.
• Responsible for ensuring that clients are contacted on a regular basis and for meeting clients as needed to ensure proper case management.
• Responsible for ensuring that all files and file cabinets are maintained in a neat, secure and organized manner.
• Provide peer counseling and supportive case management for benefits assistance clients.
• Offer peer support to BACUP clients and visitors as needed.
• Must know rules and regulations as they apply to disability benefits.
• Serve as liaison for clients with local SSA Claim Representative and DDS Analysts.
• Refer clients as needed to agencies for food, shelter, transportation, health care and other social services.
• Must be resourceful and/or have reasonable knowledge of agencies where clients can be referred.
• Must meet assigned deadlines for all assignments including timely writing of progress notes as required.
• Must perform data collection for evaluation and outcome measures on all aspects of program.
• Attend industry meetings and conduct outreach to build industry relationships and community contacts.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned, including front/reception desk duties.
• Transport Clients to/from BACUP according to approved transportation schedule.
• Adhere to all SSG Policy guidelines pertaining to use of agency vehicles and transportation requirements.
• Regular attendance required.
• Other duties as needed.
• Minimum Qualifications - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Strong ability to listen and observe confidentiality in all respects.
• Professionalism in dealing with clients, co-workers and other contacts.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of SSA structure and programs.
• Experience and knowledge of benefits including but not limited to SSI, SSDI, SDI and Medi-Cal.
• Knowledge of LACDMH structure and how it works with contract agencies.
• Must have knowledge of PC software (i.e., Windows, word processing, spreadsheets and databases).
• Must know reporting requirements in all areas related to clients, including those of clients who may be suicidal and/or homicidal.
• Knowledge of co-occurring and dual-diagnosis disorders.
• Sensitivity toward all cultures and ability to work with clients and staff from diverse ethnic and socio- economic backgrounds.
• Possess strong interest in maintaining cultural competency and emotional intelligence.
• Lived experience with mental illness and openness to share that experience to motivate clients.
• Peer Specialist or Community Worker training certificate preferred.
• Have a valid California Driver License and Proof of Insurance.
• Must undergo verification of employment eligibility and background check

Special Service for Groups, Inc. – better known as SSG – is a non-profit health and human service organization dedicated to building and sustaining community-based programs that address the needs of vulnerable communities. Special Service for Groups (SSG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide community-based solutions to the social and economic issues facing those in greatest need. SSG has evolved into a model organization designed to provide services for diverse groups with maximum efficiency and impact. This is achieved by developing and managing programs which serve our many communities by encouraging their involvement and self-sufficiency. SSG believes that the needs of groups and individuals cross traditional ethnic, racial and other cultural boundaries. SSG serves as a bridge between people with common needs to identify ways to pool resources for the greater good of all.