PHILOSOPHIES THAT GOVERN THIS JOB
v We are person focused
v We pursue the capabilities of each individual
v We teach appropriate choice and independence
v We provide an atmosphere free of discrimination, abuse and neglect
v We treat individuals with dignity and respect.
v We promote an atmosphere of learning
GENERAL JOB DUTIES
Serves as the organization’s central coordinator and point of accountability for public benefits oversight for individuals supported by the agency. Ensures continuity, accuracy, and compliance of public benefits to promote person supported stability and safeguard organizational responsibility as a Representative Payee. Provides benefits, financial, and asset-building education to individuals supported and staff to support informed decision- making, employment exploration, and financial independence. Advocates administratively on behalf of people supported when benefit determinations appear incorrect or inconsistent with reported information. Collaborates across Program and Finance teams to ensure a smooth process.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Benefits Oversight & Tracking
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Maintain a centralized system to track renewal and review cycles for SSI, SSDI, SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare, including deadlines, notices, and required actions.
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Ensure benefit renewals, redeterminations, and recertifications are completed accurately and on time.
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Monitor benefit status and promptly address lapses, suspensions, reductions, or closures.
Compliance & Representative Payee Coordination
- Coordinate SSI and SSDI compliance activities related to the organization’s Representative Payee program.
- Ensure accurate reporting of income, employment, housing, and resource changes across applicable benefit programs.
- Maintain benefit-related documentation in alignment with SSA, DHS, and organizational requirements.
- Support internal audits, SSA reviews, and quality assurance processes in collaboration with Finance team.
Benefits Advocacy & Issue Resolution
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Review benefit notices and determinations for accuracy and consistency with reported information.
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Advocate within administrative systems when benefits appear incorrect, including contacting agencies to seek clarification or correction.
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Support submission of documentation and non-medical reconsiderations or error corrections.
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Assist individuals during advocacy interactions, including participating in calls or meetings when appropriate and authorized.
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Identify recurring errors or systemic issues and recommend process improvements to prevent future errors.
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Refer individuals supported to legal aid, certified benefits planning, or specialized advocacy resources when issues exceed the scope of administrative advocacy.
Benefits & Financial Education
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Educate individuals supported on the benefit rules, renewal requirements, reporting responsibilities, and employment-related impacts.
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Provide financial education related to earned income, including:
- maintaining personal bank accounts,
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use of debit cards and checks,
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checking balances and avoiding overdrafts,
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tracking receipts and financial documentation.
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Ensure checkbook is turned in for audit review.
- Support individuals in determining whether an ABLE account may be an appropriate financial tool based on individual goals and benefit status.
- Support self-determination and informed choice without directing or controlling personal financial decisions.
Employment & Benefits Navigation
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Collaborate with employment and program staff to support individuals who are considering or engaged in work.
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Provide general education on work incentives, employment-related reporting requirements, and asset- building tools such as ABLE accounts.
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Encourage proactive planning and early disclosure to prevent overpayments or benefit disruption.
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Coordinate referrals to Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA/CWIC) or other specialized supports, as needed. If training becomes available through grant opportunities, completion of that training will be required for this position.
Staff Training & Systems Support
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Train staff on benefits basics, including identifying reportable changes and time-sensitive notices.
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Provide staff education on ABLE accounts at an overview level to support consistent messaging and appropriate referrals.
- Develop and maintain standardized tools, workflows, and reference materials for consistent benefits handling.
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Serve as an internal resource for benefit-related questions to reduce duplication and crisis response.
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, public administration, finance, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience. 1–2 years of experience in public benefits navigation, representative payee services, case management, employment services, financial education, or a related human services role. Foundational familiarity with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, and/or Medicare or demonstrated ability to acquire benefits knowledge through training. Experience working directly with adults with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual, developmental, cognitive, and/or mental health disabilities. Strong ability to explain complex systems in clear, accessible, plain language. Proven organizational and documentation skills with the ability to manage deadlines and track multiple cases or tasks. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn tracking systems and databases. Commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed, and equity-based practices. Self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to work independently and manage a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends. Valid driver license and driving record acceptable to Agency insurer.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to climb, stoop, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, talk, and walk. Visual requirements deal with preparing and analyzing data, or visual inspection. The worker is subject to both inside and outside environment, extreme heat or cold for periods of greater than one hour. Subject to noise which would cause them to have to shout. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals etc. Can be exposed to body waste products, may be required to do first aid duties which may cause exposure to body fluids.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, public administration, finance, or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience. 1–2 years of experience in public benefits navigation, representative payee services, case management, employment services, financial education, or a related human services role. Foundational familiarity with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, and/or Medicare or demonstrated ability to acquire benefits knowledge through training. Experience working directly with adults with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual, developmental, cognitive, and/or mental health disabilities. Strong ability to explain complex systems in clear, accessible, plain language. Proven organizational and documentation skills with the ability to manage deadlines and track multiple cases or tasks. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn tracking systems and databases. Commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed, and equity-based practices. Self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to work independently and manage a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends. Valid driver license and driving record acceptable to Agency insurer.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to climb, stoop, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, talk, and walk. Visual requirements deal with preparing and analyzing data, or visual inspection. The worker is subject to both inside and outside environment, extreme heat or cold for periods of greater than one hour. Subject to noise which would cause them to have to shout. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals etc. Can be exposed to body waste products, may be required to do first aid duties which may cause exposure to body fluids.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
