Disability Benefits Specialist

Agency Summary

Friendship Shelter is a non-profit homeless services agency founded in 1988 and dedicated to ending homelessness in South Orange County, one person at a time. Friendship Shelter operates a full spectrum of services to end homelessness, including street outreach, emergency shelter, housing navigation, financial assistance, and permanent housing with supportive services. We believe in a housing-first and harm-reduction approach and value the unique experience of each client we serve. All of our programs employ trauma-informed principles and are housing-focused, low-barrier and client-centered. We are committed to diversity in our workforce and endeavor to create a work experience that is inclusive, meaningful, and effective at ending homelessness.

Position Overview:

The Disability Benefits Specialist is responsible for preparing, submitting, and keeping track of disability income benefit applications for eligible individuals experiencing homelessness in an outreach, shelter, or interim housing setting.

Essential Job Functions:

• Follow the SOAR method and work as part of our interdisciplinary housing team to ensure coordination of services and the highest rate of success for submitted benefits applications and appeals.
• Participate in case reviews and staff meetings as required. Communicate regularly with program staff regarding benefit application progress.
• Work with client’s previous health and mental health care providers to request pertinent medical records to build a comprehensive application with all relevant medical, school, behavioral health, and other applicable records.
• Provide the client with transportation and accompaniment (as needed) to doctor’s appointments, SSA appointments, hearings, etc.
• Maintain a thorough record of all applications and appeals and comply with all agency and contract record keeping requirements, including entering relevant data into HMIS and CalOptima Connect.
• Maintain positive and cooperative relationships with staff, partnering agencies, and community volunteers who provide services and support to the program.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• SOAR certified preferred.
• Experience filing disability applications (SSI, SSDI, etc.).
• Experience and/or credentials working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorder, or other disabling conditions.
• Understanding and commitment to Client Centered, Harm Reduction, and Housing First models of service delivery.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Action-oriented and adaptable with excellent communication skills and organizational abilities.
• Proficient writing skills and attention to detail.
• A collaborative, positive, and mature approach, and an ethic of teamwork.

Basic Qualifications:

• Experience with navigating the local OC social service arena, such as Medi-Cal, food stamps/GR, ID services, social security, and homeless service providers required.
• Familiarity with Orange County Continuum of Care preferred.
• Must have a vehicle with valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance.

Work Environment:

• Working with clients in-person, outdoors and inside.
• Driving personal vehicle to different locations to meet with clients.
• Some at-home remote work to complete administrative tasks.

Job Type:

• Non-exempt
• Full-time

Disclaimer:

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of job tasks performed while working for Friendship Shelter. It does not include all required job tasks and duties and they may change as business requires. It is also not designed to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job role.

Friendship Shelter is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment related to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.

About Us:

Friendship Shelter is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit organization, founded in 1988 to provide year-round shelter and rehabilitation to homeless adults. Today, we offer a full complement of services to the most vulnerable homeless people in our community. We are focused on finding the most appropriate permanent housing solution for each individual.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.50 - $24.72 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Multiple locations