Entitlement Specialist

WHO IS CHI?

Community Housing Innovations (CHI) is a not-for-profit housing and human services organization that aims to support social and economic independence. Our vision is to end generational poverty and foster upward mobility by ensuring that all families and individuals live in quality housing, have a home of their own, and a job to support them. We believe quality, affordable housing is the foundation for prosperity, personal fulfillment, and success.

WHAT DOES CHI OFFER?

CHI employs a team of hard-working, compassionate people who want to give back to others in their community. We are proud to offer:

• Generous Paid time off
• Personal and Sick Days
• Health insurance and health reimbursement account 
• Dental and vision plans
• Flexible spending account
• AFLAC supplemental insurance
• Dependent Care Spending Account
• Commuter Transit and Parking Account
• Working Advantage- Employee Perks
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Monthly trainings and career development plans

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for identifying social service and government benefits that may be available to shelter clients. The Entitlement Specialist helps clients determine eligibility and guides them through the application process and tracks applications for the program.

Pay: $21.64 an hour- approx. $45,000 annually.

FLSA: Non-exempt. Eligible for overtime.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm each shift except for Thursday 2pm-10pm.

Location: Gowanus/Park Slope Brooklyn, NY

JOB-RELATED DUTIES – ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

           These duties are essential and specific to the successful implementation of this position.

• Documents all benefits clients are entitled to and steps that should be taken to apply for benefits.
• Provides benefits counseling and technical assistance to clients.
• Establish and maintain contacts with government agencies and community-based providers as resources for clients.
• Maintain accurate client records and timely updates to case notes as required.
• Track client applications and outcomes
• Advocate for clients as necessary during benefit application process
• Accompany clients to appointments if necessary.
• Develop and deliver in service training to other program employees concerning available benefits and entitlements, including eligibility criteria.

What do I need to apply?

Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field preferred. Minimum of two years’ experience as a benefit or entitlement specialist in a shelter setting (or similar job with working knowledge of NYC benefits) is required. Four or more years of experience can be used to override the education requirement.

• Knowledge: Ability to utilize CARES. Strong advocacy skills
• Computer skills:  Proficient Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Internet and other software skills are required
• Interviewing skills: Excellent interviewing and clinical assessment skills
• Communication:  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Bi-lingual (Spanish) preferred.
• Must be a self-starter.   
• Physical Performance:  Ability to attend off-site meetings with community businesses.
• Reasoning Ability:  Good negotiation skills.  Ability to make judgment calls, prioritize, multi-task.
• Other Skills:  Ability to work independently, establish rapport with program participants and business community, expertise at understanding client needs and matching clients with business contacts. Able to work independently using strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

DIVERSTY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Community Housing Innovations Inc (CHI) respects diversity and is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation marital status, partnership status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Community Housing Innovations is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This commitment applies to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, compensation, training, assignments, benefits, employee activities, termination, access to facilities, and programs, and all other terms and conditions of employment as well as general treatment during employment.