Client Benefits Specialist

Job Overview: The Client Benefits Specialist supports the best possible resettlement and post-resettlement experience by supporting clients in accessing and maintaining public, nonprofit and private sector benefits. They provide services with a strong emphasis on empowerment through a strengths-based approach that supports clients to thrive in their community.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Provide a wide variety of direct client services through a trauma-informed framework that safeguards and promotes the dignity and self-determination of clients. Connect clients with IRC and partner resources with a focus on clear and timely communication.
• Work across direct services teams (Casework, Employment, Family Wellbeing) to communicate information to clients, advocate on their behalf, and support the coordination of services.
• Provide supplemental support, as needed, to Casework team in preparing initial client applications for local Departments of Social Services to secure benefits including cash assistance (TANF and RCA), SNAP, and Medicaid; Social Security Administration (SSI and SSDI), and other related benefits as appropriate. 
• Maintain system to remind clients of upcoming required reviews concerning their benefits, and provide additional assistance as needed to complete required documentation to ensure they compete requirements to maintain eligibility.  Educate clients needing additional assistance on completing required paperwork to support their ability to independently meet requirements.
• Assist families eligible for Child Care Subsidies to identify appropriate placements and obtain benefits. 
• Assist families applying for public housing or housing voucher programs to properly complete applications.
• Assist families to apply for a local Affordable Connectivity Program to obtain low-cost or free internet and cell phone service with corresponding voice and data plans.
• Coordinate and assure uptake of private sector donation programs such as DoorDash and Lyft vouchers.
• Conduct research into and increase usage of benefits and services not currently offered or inconsistently provided to clients.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local Departments of Social Services and other public and community organizations for client referrals as needed. 
• Detail each client interaction in accordance with program requirements. Input client information in database(s) and assist with tracking and reporting as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred.

Work Experience:

• Relevant professional experience in human services, customer service, or work requiring accurate and timely recordkeeping required; minimum of 2 years’ experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Strong commitment to ensuring the success of the IRC mission while adhering to the values of service, accountability, integrity, and equality as defined in the IRC Way.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by IRC’s clients is desired; including Dari, Farsi, and/or Pashto.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• 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); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
• Valid driver’s license and access to personal, insured vehicle.

Working Environment: 

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.

Compensation: 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.

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.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.