JOB DESCRIPTION
Paralegal / Benefits Coordinator
Mission: The mission of Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) is to create fully inclusive communities that value the dignity, equality, freedom and worth of every human being. We are a cross-disability, intergenerational, and multicultural disability justice organization that builds disability identity, culture and pride; creates opportunities for personal and community transformation; and partners with others to ensure that civil and human rights are protected.
Summary: Provide counseling and education to members of the community about various disability benefits available to eligible persons with disabilities (e.g., CalFresh, SSI, SSDI, Medi-Cal, Medicare, IHSS, etc.). Provide application/enrollment assistance to consumers for applicable disability benefits, and provide advocacy and referrals for those who have been denied one or more disability benefits or who have received overpayment letters.Provide advocacy training, support and community-based legal services referrals to consumers who are experiencing discrimination due to their disability.
Supervised by: ILS/Housing Supervisor
Positions supervised: None
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Cal Fresh Participant Enrollment
· Develop an understanding of CalFresh (formerly SNAP/Food Stamps) program application and enrollment procedures (training will be provided).
· Educate consumers on eligibility for the CalFresh Program and provide pre-screening and application assistance, as necessary.
· Make phone calls to people who have expressed interest in enrolling in CalFresh or need help with recertification reporting.
· Conduct pre-screening and application assistance over the phone or in-person, including assessing applicant eligibility, and enrolling as appropriate or scheduling application assistance appointments.
· Streamline and improve enrollment procedures, processes and policies.
· Respond to participant questions, complaints, and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
· Provide non-eligible participants with referrals to access free food distribution programs and other resources.
Disability Benefits Counseling and Enrollment
· Perform intakes through initial applicant screening for service eligibility.
· Provide Information and Referral to community members.
· Interview applicants regarding their eligibility for various public benefits programs and to determine barriers to retention of public benefits.
· Responsible for assisting consumers in applying for and obtaining SSI, SSDI , IHSS, Medi-Cal, and Medicare benefits.
· Maintain compliance with responsibilities outlined in the Benefits Enrollement Center (BEC) program.
· Coordinate BEC services with benefits colleagues at Sourcewise.
· Assist in helping consumers access other community resources as needed.
· Establish and maintain working relationships with Sourcewise, Santa Clara County Adult Protective Services and Office of Supportive Housing staff, nursing facility and hospital staff, Long-Term Care Ombudsmen staff and volunteers, multiple community health and social services agency staff, county Medi-Cal eligibility staff, state and federal agency staff (e.g., Social Security Administration), regional centers and providers of medical and social supports, demonstration project team, and others.
· Utilize team resources to create linkages between inpatient facility residents and services, supports, agencies, housing, income, and additional resources necessary to move from the inpatient facility to a safe and supportive community environment.
· Coordinate with SVILC’s CCT Coordinators the consumer’s date of discharge from the inpatient facility with the various programs and services, including Medi-Cal eligibility, in the community setting.
· Maintain accurate, comprehensive and confidential case records.
· Coordinate referral and assessment by agencies that provide medical and social services, income maintenance, Medi-Cal eligibility, housing, modification of the home environment, transportation, and others as appropriate for preliminary care-planning for services in a community setting.
· Assist consumers with paperwork, deadlines and record keeping.
· Schedule meetings and consultations with individuals, groups or agencies that can provide input regarding preliminary care coordination for a specific resident.
· Furnish information directly to resident to determine preferences and keep them apprised of the coordination progress.
· Coordinate (but not provide) transportation, if necessary.
· Coordinate starting and ending dates of services
Client Data Management and Tracking
· Track calls made, messages left, pre-screens, applications submitted, outcomes, and other data.
· Enter data accurately into various databases.
· Effectively manage paper and electronic participant records.
· Maintain accurate database of consumer information and preparation of monthly reports.
· Maintain client confidentiality.
· Assist in identifying clients who could be helpful in media related events.
Other Responsibilities and Expectations
· Availability to work some evenings and weekends.
· Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Bilingual fluency in Spanish/English or other threshold language in SCC
· An understanding of basic disability benefits and the application process (some training will be provided)
· Superior customer service skills, especially over the phone.
· Understanding and patience when working with participants dealing with a lot of challenges.
· Ability to establish rapport and trust quickly and effectively.
· Certificate in paralegal services or BA degree. (OR AA degree and 5 years of paralegal/benefits counseling).
· Demonstrated interest in a non-profit career.
· Proven record of good organizational skills and attention to detail.
· Knowledge of local, community and county resources, social services and health systems
· Experience with basic case management, peer based counseling, direct service advocacy or care coordination experience.
· Strong interest in social justice, social welfare, mental health, peer education.
· Personal experience with disability preferred.
Physical Demands: Ability to stand or sit and talk to people waiting for food distributions outdoors; Ability to perform clerical and computer work temporarily in a variety of settings and physical arrangements; Ability to carry up to 15 pounds of materials. Rolled carts available.
Salary: $26-$28 per hour
Benefits: 100% paid medical (Kaiser Platinum Plan) and dental, 12 paid holidays, accrued vacation and personal leave, and 49 annual hours of sick leave.
Desired Start Date: Immediately. Open until filled.
Interested candidates should send a resume with a cover letter summarizing interest and qualifications and experience to:
SVILC – Jobs
25 N. 14th Street, Suite 1000
San Jose, CA 95112
OR
Email to [email protected].
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Social Services Occupations: 2 years (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Jose, CA 95112
