Public Benefits Specialist
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Job Description
IRC Background:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 24 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities.
The IRC is part of a multi-agency response to support Ukrainian individuals and families in San Diego who have Humanitarian Parole. The Caseworker will provide case management for persons with Ukrainian humanitarian parole (UHP) remaining in San Diego.
**Job Overview:**The Access to Public Benefits Specialist will provide assistance to Ukrainian humanitarian parolees to ensure the best possible initial services experience and comprehensive access to public benefits. These services will improve the Quality of Life for UHP program clients in San Diego and surrounding counties by ensuring that, in the short-term, they meet their Basic Needs and build financial stability, allowing long-term attainment of self-sufficiency. The Specialist will assist Ukrainian clients in applying for public benefits, keeping their existing benefits, and understanding their benefits. They will serve as the department’s main point of contact with all public benefits entities, working along caseworkers and other staff to ensure clients receive benefits.
Major Responsibilities:
- Screen for and identify benefits eligibility for clients based on their immigration status, income levels, and length of time in the US, and successfully enroll clients in identified public benefits;
- Independently develop reasonable initial service and/or self-sufficiency plans and timelines for each client and manage client expectations;
- Educate clients on the public benefits system so that they can continue or discontinue benefits at their own discretion and empower them to make their own self-sufficiency decisions;
- Support clients with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications;
- Ensure that clients are provided the basic tools that are vital to meet their established short-term goals and objectives and recording these efforts through Data Entry and by updating case files;
- Ensure compliance with case file management and reporting requirements, including timely data entry in hard-copy files and databases;
- Maintain case file documentation to conform to contract requirements as well as to reflect the needs of the individual client, including the maintenance of clear and concise case notes as it pertains to public benefits;
- Troubleshoot all public benefits issues that arise with clients – including, but not limited to, suspension or cancellation of benefits, reduction of benefits, semi-annual and annual welfare reporting, issues with new applications, requests for welfare documentation, lost benefits cards and other documents, helping clients report new income and/or employment to the public benefits entity, rescheduling appointments, arranging transportation to appointments, etc; Request direct assistance to support clients as needed;
- Travel regularly throughout the service delivery area (home visits, agency visits, service provider visits, etc.);
- Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the team;
- Align with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency;
- Other related duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree; ideally in Social Work or an equivalent field of study. Comparable related work experience may be substituted;
- Demonstrated relevant work experience (in addition to the above) in human services field, preferably in a non-profit or Social Services agency environment, experience should include provision of direct service to underserved communities;
- Prior experience working with public benefit systems or social security preferred;
- Prior experience working with refugee, SIV or humanitarian parolee populations preferred;
- Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment;
- Proven track record of contributing both independently and as a key team member;
- Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively;
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and strong keyboarding skills and internet usage and research skills;
- Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in written and spoken English and Russian or Ukrainian;
- Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.
Working Environment:**
- Standard, professional office environment;
- This position will work both from the IRC office in City Heights and El Cajon;
- During pandemic: Some at home work with reliable internet. Non-pandemic: Standard, professional office environment;
- Offices hours are scheduled as Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm; some evening and weekend events required;
- Regular travel to off-site locations is required;
- Access to a reliable vehicle to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.
Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and Mental Health struggles.
How to apply
https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/42290?c=rescue