Benefits Access Specialist, Community Schools

Position Summary

The Benefits Access Specialist-- Community Schools (BAS - CS) plays an essential role in enhancing the services provided by the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) through its BenePhilly Program for both service providers and low-income families. BAS-CS provides direct services to individuals and families that are enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia's Community Schools through system navigation, application assistance and referrals for public benefits like SNAP, medical assistance, utility assistance and more. The BAS acts as a subject matter expert (SME) on entitlements and benefits programs for Philadelphia residents and establishes, maintains, and shares current information with community partners and clients. BAS develops resources, promotes collaboration and builds partnerships with key stakeholders to assist in outreach recruitment and coordination. In a linchpin position, the BAS-CS works with the BenePhilly and Community Partners to achieve community and family goals. The position is grant funded until June 30, 2026, with the potential to renew annually by the funder. CEO will give the employee notice of position continuation before contract expires.

Essential Functions

• Provide superior services that demonstrate the responsiveness of the office to community needs, providing enhanced visibility, and positive impact.

• Document services provided and track clients’ progress to maximize impact and create an auditable paper trail to demonstrate the quality and impact of services.

• Engage in direct family outreach for Community Schools clients to schedule benefits screening. Work at various school district campuses and partnered site locations to reach clients.

• Interview clients to establish their needs and to determine their eligibility for benefits and entitlement programs. Answer consumer questions about entitlement programs, eligibility, and application procedures. Interpret and explain information such as eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods, and applicants' rights.

• Assist clients in preparing applications and forms for public benefits and when appropriate refer applicants to other agencies for access to resources. Document and evaluate personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status.

• Follow-up with clients to obtain needed documentation to complete their application and provide support to address obstacles to successful benefits enrollment.

• Collect information from clients to identify and report on the outcomes of the services rendered.

• Work with supervisor to assess challenges in providing benefits services and successful enrollment for clients, suggest solutions, and implement those changes as directed by supervisor.

• Participate in community-based activities and events promoting CEO and City initiatives; and disseminating community-based organizations (CBO) or partners resources supported by CEO.

• Identify potential initiatives conducive to the mission of CEO and Benefits Access Unit and mobile services.

• Ensure that client files are in compliance with funder guidelines and regulations.

• Conduct initial intake to verify consumer eligibility for entitlement programs using benefits software. Collect accurate knowledge of when and where services begin and their end date.

• Keep records of assigned cases in agency’s data collection system. Use data collection software to assess client needs, document services rendered, develop a client’s customized services plan, and track progress towards mutually agreed upon goals, i.e., enrollment into entitlement program(s).

• Provide case notes that fully document services rendered.

• Locate and correct data entry errors or report them to supervisors.

• Complete monthly Characteristic, Services and Limited English Proficiency reports as outlined by funder and City of Philadelphia respective requirements. 

• Work with supervisor to implement assigned human service programs when needed, e.g., Family Savings Account, Municipal ID, etc.

• Participate in on-going professional development trainings—both voluntarily and mandatory, such as in-services, staff meetings, conferences, etc.

• Provide translation services for all Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents utilizing language access lines.

• Stay abreast and inform Philadelphia residents of policy changes and implications as they relate to vulnerable populations.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Candidate must have at least 3-5 years working in social services or related field.

• Must have some understanding of public benefits and role of government in administering benefits programs.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ancillary software.