Eligibility Specialist (Benefits and Entitlements)

Description

Position Summary

The Eligibility Specialist is responsible for assisting program participants across GGI’s housing programs, including Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Rapid Rehousing (RRH), Housing Resource Centers and Residential Programs in obtaining, maintaining, and maximizing public benefits. This role ensures participants are connected to critical income and healthcare resources including Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP (Food Stamps), and Social Security benefits.

The Eligibility Specialist works closely with Case Managers, Housing Specialists, and Program Directors to support housing stability by increasing participant income and access to services. This position plays a key role in compliance, documentation, and audit readiness in alignment with HUD, state, and local funder requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess participant eligibility for public benefits including Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, SSI, SSDI, and other applicable programs
• Assist participants with completing and submitting applications for benefits in a timely and accurate manner
• Support participants with benefit renewals, recertifications, and appeals processes
• Track application status and follow up with agencies to ensure timely approvals
• Collaborate with staff in GGI’s housing programs to ensure participants have income sources to support housing stability
• Assist participants in obtaining documentation required for benefit eligibility including identification, medical records, and income verification
• Coordinate with Social Security Administration, SNAP and Department of Children and Families (DCF) on behalf of participants as needed
• Provide guidance on how benefits impact rent calculations, subsidies, and program eligibility
• Work closely with Case Managers and Housing staff to integrate benefits planning into Housing Stability Plans
• Participate in case conferencing meetings to address barriers to income and benefits access
• Provide technical assistance to staff regarding eligibility criteria and benefit processes as needed
• Maintain accurate, complete, and audit-ready records in HMIS/ClientTrack and participant files
• Ensure all documentation meets HUD, CoC, and funder requirements
• Track and report outcomes related to income growth and benefits acquisition
• Assist with data quality efforts related to income and benefits reporting at entry, during program participation, and at exit
• Advocate on behalf of participants with benefit agencies to resolve issues or delays
• Educate participants on their rights, responsibilities, and available resources
• Support participants with navigating complex systems in a trauma-informed and culturally competent manner
• May be required to accompany participants to appointments as need 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree required; Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, or related field preferred or a combination of years of experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with public benefits, entitlement programs, or case management, SOAR
• Strong knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, SSI, SSDI, and other public assistance programs
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, or low-income populations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of eligibility determination processes and documentation requirements
• Familiarity with HUD CoC programs including PSH and RRH a plus
• Ability to navigate government systems and advocate effectively for participants
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and compliance requirements
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines efficiently
• Proficiency in HMIS or similar data systems preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Work Environment and Expectations

• This position operates in a combination of office, shelter, and community-based settings
• May be required to work on-site at shelter locations including Housing Resource Centers to provide direct support to participants
• May be required to provide after-hours or weekend support based on program needs and shelter operations
• Regular interaction with individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and high-acuity needs
• May be required to travel within Palm Beach County to attend appointments, accompany participants, or coordinate with partner agencies
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and agency policies
• Ability to work in fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable environments while maintaining professionalism and composure
• Commitment to Housing First, trauma-informed care, and cultural competency practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Social Security advocacy including SSI and SSDI applications and appeals
• SOAR certification or willingness to obtain
• Experience with Florida DCF ACCESS system
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or English and Creole preferred
• Experience working in shelter or residential program environments