Benefits Specialist

Description

Job Title: Benefits Specialist

Location: SCCIC

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Status: Full Time

Reports to: Associate Director of SCCIC

Job Summary:

The Benefits Specialist is responsible for providing direct service, benefits navigation, and care coordination to enrolled participants at Second Chance Center in the City (SCCIC). This role assists participants in identifying, applying for, obtaining, and maintaining eligible community and government assistance programs while also helping participants navigate community resources and systems that support successful re-entry. The Benefits Specialist provides education, advocacy, follow-up, and practical support to help participants understand and effectively utilize available benefits. The position requires strong participant engagement, collaboration with SCCIC staff, care providers, pretrial and justice-system partners, and community organizations. The Benefits Specialist participates in case staffing, team meetings, outreach, training, and other duties assigned by the Associate Director of SCCIC and plays an integral role in the daily operations and success of SCCIC programs.

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Key Goals and Objectives:

• Assess participants for eligibility and assist them in obtaining and maintaining health care coverage and other community benefits, including but not limited to SNAP, Medicaid, LEAP, RTD LiVE, cash assistance, CCCAP, etc.
• Provide participant-centered benefits navigation, advocacy, education, referrals, and follow-up to reduce barriers to accessing services.
• Collaborate with colleagues, care providers, pretrial and justice-system partners, and community resources to support seamless integration of services for participants.
• Promote a positive, collaborative culture within SCCIC/SCC.
• Meet productivity, documentation, data-entry, and follow-up standards established for the role.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct interviews with participants to assess benefit literacy, eligibility, utilization, barriers, and ongoing needs, and track outcomes.
• Provide Orientations and/or group activities as assigned.
• Assess participant eligibility for applicable programs, complete appropriate intake and screening activities, and follow through on necessary referrals.
• Assist participants in completing benefits applications, renewals, recertifications, appeals, and supporting documentation accurately and completely.
• Maintain an active caseload (40+) and develop, implement, and update care plans in collaboration with participants and the SCCIC care team.
• Conduct regular in-person and phone check-ins with participants and provide timely follow-up regarding applications, referrals, appointments, and outstanding documentation.
• Use motivational interviewing and other participant-centered engagement techniques to support participants through stages of change and encourage continued engagement in services.
• Accompany participants to benefits-related appointments, court hearings, pretrial appointments, or other scheduled community appointments when appropriate to provide navigation, advocacy, and support.
• Assist participants with community navigation and accessing resources that support stability, successful re-entry, and improved health and well-being.
• Provide resource connection, advocacy, coaching, and practical support to help participants understand and navigate complex service systems.
• Engage in outreach and re-engagement efforts for participants who have lost contact or need additional support connecting to services, using SCC-approved and best-practice methods.
• Build and maintain effective professional relationships with government agencies, benefits offices, health care providers, pretrial services, community partners, and nonprofit organizations.
• Ensure timely, complete, and accurate documentation and data entry in all required databases and tracking systems.
• Participate in regular case staffing and collaborate with SCCIC staff, Pretrial Services, care providers, and community partners regarding participant goals, service coordination, benefit acquisition, and benefit retention.
• Identify barriers or gaps affecting participant access to benefits and services and communicate those concerns to the appropriate supervisor and care team.
• Support participants with referrals and warm handoffs to appropriate internal and external services and follow through, when appropriate, to confirm connection to services.
• Attend relevant program-related meetings, trainings, and community partner activities.
• Enhance professional growth and development through specialized training and other formal and informal learning opportunities.
• Adhere to all SCC policies, procedures, professional boundaries, confidentiality requirements, and documentation standards.
• Complete all required training within specified timelines.
• Perform other duties as required within the position's scope and the employee's experience, education, and ability, including activities that support system navigation, population health, participant stability, and recidivism reduction.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport, build trust, and maintain engagement with participants.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, advocacy, and client service skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage deadlines and follow-up responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to learn and use other required software programs and databases at an intermediate to advanced level.
• Experience working directly with systemically marginalized populations.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and with multiple community and systems partners.
• Reliable transportation to commute to work and other locations as needed.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License.
• Ability to establish priorities and manage competing demands in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and sound judgment in community-based and participant-facing work.
• Commitment to SCC's mission and the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Skills / Competencies are as follows:

• Experience working with re-entry and justice-involved populations.
• Experience in community navigation, benefits navigation, advocacy, and service coordination.
• Understanding of trauma-informed and strengths-based care management practices.
• Familiarity with pretrial, court, re-entry, health care, and community-based service systems.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Arabic is a plus.
• Experience in de-escalation and conflict management with clients.

Required Education and Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in healthcare management, social work, human services, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 2 years of work experience in a related field.
• Preferably, 2 years of direct client care, benefits navigation, community navigation, or service coordination experience.
• Experience in database entry and/or reporting.
• Knowledge of HIPAA practices and regulations.
• Knowledge of public and community benefit assistance programs (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, cash assistance) and their eligibility requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk, or hear.
• Occasionally required to lift or move office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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Compensation & Merit Increases:

• This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with an hourly rate of $23 - $24.04. 
• Compensation is competitive and commensurate with education and experience. 
• Benefits include vacation and sick leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Some Saturday work may be required.
• Work hours are 8:00AM – 4:30PM, Monday through Friday, but may be adjusted according to business needs.
• This role is in-office.

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About Second Chance Center, Inc.:

Established in 2012, Second Chance Center, Inc. (SCC) is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization determined to be the state’s premier community re-entry program and a model for the nation. Our goal is to help formerly incarcerated people transition to lives of success and fulfillment. We provide the formerly incarcerated, and their network, with education, resources, and support to successfully re-enter the community and cultivate a rewarding life.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy for SCC to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and not to discriminate on any basis prohibited by law, including race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or veteran status. It is our intent and desire that equal employment opportunities will be provided in employment, recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, promotion, demotion, and layoff.