Public Benefits Specialist (JR 5610)

WHY WORK FOR US?We are mission and values driven and your contributions will makeadifference. We make a positive differenceinpeople'slives and helpan average of 23 people per week to find a place to live.

If you join us, you will be abletoadvocate for change whilealsoworking with influentialpeople who effectchanges in policy and devote time to issuesof racial and social justice. We prioritize your work/life balance and provide various scheduling options inadditionto generous time off, health, and wellness benefits and we're committed to helping you reach your potential by providing opportunities for professionalgrowth across the state.

JR 5610Public Benefits SpecialistLos Angeles, CA 90004Salary: $23.24 to $28.28 per hourPay Frequency: 24 Pay Periods Per YearFull TimeNon-ExemptDriving RequiredLower end of range will apply to candidates who meet minimum experience or have limited years of relevant experience. The higher end of range will apply to seasoned candidates with considerable years of relevant experience.

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PATH is seeking candidates passionate about helping others make a positive change in their lives to join our Veteran Services team as the Public Benefits Specialist at the RHC Office.

ABOUT PATHSince its foundation in 1984, PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) has pioneered bold and effective approaches to assist people experiencing homelessness. PATH operates services throughout California, connecting our clients to a comprehensive continuum of homelessness prevention, street outreach, employment preparation and placement assistance, individualized case management, supportive services, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing. 

ABOUT THE JOBAs part of the Veteran Services team, the Public Benefits Specialist provides targeted support for benefits advocacy to individuals currently or at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Working alongside the multidisciplinary PATH team and closely with PATH’s community partners, the Benefits Specialist provides field-based, direct client services to ensure the highest possible rate of success when submitting benefits applications. 

Position Responsibilities include: 

• Participate in street outreach activities to develop relationships and build rapport in the interest of connecting clients to long-term services designed to help them obtain and maintain permanent housing and improve their overall well-being. 
• Receive and accept benefits assistance referrals. 
• Initiate and track the progress of referrals throughout the provision of services. 
• Provide strengths-based service coordination services designed to assist clients with obtaining and maintaining mainstream benefits. 
• Provide mobile, field-based benefit advocacy services designed to ensure the highest possible rate of success for benefits applications: Perform initial assessments to determine client eligibility for benefits such as, but not limited to, SSI, SSDI, and those provided through the CDSS such as GA, CalFresh, and CalWORKS. Assist clients with gathering documentation necessary to build comprehensive benefits applications which include all relevant medical, school, behavioral health, and other applicable records. Work with clients’ previous health and mental health care providers to obtain pertinent medical records. Assist clients with the submission of applications. Monitor progress of submitted benefits applications and provide follow up and client advocacy as needed to help ensure application success. Provide referrals to legal providers as appropriate for matters such as appeals.
• Provide supportive services focused on enhancing clients’ ability to independently problem-solve, utilize effective coping skills, and manage and self-coordinate own care. 
• Utilize evidence-based practices in service delivery, such as intensive case management, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Critical Time Intervention, and Housing First practices. 
• Collaborate with other outreach staff and community partners to ensure successful service coordination that connects clients to services designed to address all identified needs. 
• Maintain documentation standards as set forth by the program contract, PATH policies, practices, and procedures, and within all local, county, state, and federal guidelines: Complete intakes, assessments, and service plans within the documentation standards set forth by the program contract and PATH. Ensure all program data is accurate, up-to-date, and entered into the appropriate program documentation system timely and as contractually required. Complete all progress notes on every face-to-face or telephone contact with clients or collateral contacts within 24 hours of service. 
• Maintain compliance with HIPPA standards and all other applicable policies and practices for handling sensitive and confidential information.

WHAT YOU BRINGWe’re looking for candidates with:

• Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail: Gather and interpret data, identifying trends, patterns, and insights to inform decision-making. Ability to consistently produce high-quality work, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work effectively with others, seeking out and building positive working relationships with colleagues, participants, and stakeholders. Work effectively with others, contributing to team goals and recognizing the strengths and contributions of others.
• Communication: Convey information clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing) to individuals and groups in a manner that informs, engages and maintains their attention.
• Creativity and Initiative: Take action and make decisions without being prompted, demonstrating a proactive approach to work and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Think outside the box, generating innovative solutions to problems or challenges.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Analyze and evaluate information and situations, identify key issues, consider alternatives, and make logical decisions based on sound reasoning that will achieve the desired outcome.
• Ethics and Boundaries: Maintain ethical and professional standards, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing the right thing in all situations while maintaining professional boundaries.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. 
• Two (2) years of experience in healthcare, case management, homeless services or working with vulnerable populations. 
• Lived experience demonstrating successful recovery with issues related to homelessness, mental health, and/or substance use challenges which can be utilized to enhance effectiveness of services by informing service models and/or supporting clients through shared personal experiences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) years of experience in healthcare, case management, homeless services or working with vulnerable populations or a related field.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTSRegardless of qualifications, candidates must:

• Have employment eligibility verification
• Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR/First Aid training
• Successfully complete the following as a condition of hire:
  • Tuberculosis Test
  • Background Screening
  • Drug Test

DRIVINGDriving is an essential function of this position. To meet the employment requirements for this role, all candidates must: 

• Have reliable transportation
• A valid driver’s license
• Proof of insurance and ownership for personal vehicles used during work duties
• The ability to qualify for PATH's insurance coverage