Advocacy and Benefit Specialist

				Overview:

Incumbents are responsible for providing advocacy services to older adults, which may include providing information and referral, processing benefit applications, conducting home visits, preparing reports, selling taxi coupons, monitoring follow-ups, and performing related duties. 

Responsibilities:

* Provides advocacy services to older adults in a comprehensive and timely manner, including: information and
referral to services and programs; thorough assessments and benefits screenings; home visits and wellness
checks; and/or related duties.
* Evaluate needs and provide resources, including but not limited to: financial stability, legal issues, mental
health issues, health care, etc.
* Assist clients in navigating complex benefits and healthcare systems. Acts as a client advocate in issues related to
insurance coverage, financial assistance, and benefit access.
* As a certified SHINE Counselor, provide full scope assistance related to Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D;
Medigap insurance, Medicare HMOs, retiree insurance plans, prescription drug programs, Medicaid, and other
programs for people with limited resources.
* As a SNAP outreach partner, provide full scope assistance related to completing SNAP applications and
recertifications.
* As mandated reporters, collaborate with Protective Services on cases related to abuse, self-neglect, and financial
exploitation, etc.
* Responds to emergency crisis situations related to health and safety.
* Sells and manages assigned taxi coupon booklets and associated cash.
* Gathers relevant information and processes applications.
* Effectively communicates information about Elderly Commission programs and services through community
outreach, engagement, and presentations.
* Prepares, maintains, updates, and compiles a variety of operational and statistical data, records, reports, and
files. Meets deadlines and reporting expectations.
* Provides office coverage to include: answering phones, assisting walk-ins, etc.
* Provides on-call coverage for the Age Strong Commission.
* Provides timely follow-up to effectuate service into resolution.
* Conducts all interactions in a positive and professional manner.
* Performs related work as required.

Qualifications:

* Minimum three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the support of human services
programs, including case management services and assessment preferred.
* A bachelor's degree in social work or a related field is highly preferred.
* Certification, training, or formal education in counseling and/or case management, substance abuse, and
mental health preferred.
* Alliance of Information and Referral Services (AIRS) Certificate preferred.
* Serving the Health and Information Needs of Everyone (SHINE) certification is highly preferred. Must be able
to obtain and/or maintain certification within one (1) year of employment.
* Familiarity with health insurance and government benefits is highly preferred.
* Experience and comfort level delivering services to a multiracial, multicultural, and multilingual population
experiencing complex challenges, including addiction and untreated or under-treated mental health
concerns.
* Ability to give team feedback; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
* Ability to build and maintain relationships with government agencies, social service agencies, community
organizations, and older adults is highly preferred.
* Ability to set and maintain personal and professional boundaries and confidentiality.
* Strong presentation and advocacy skills.
* Strong problem-solving ability.
* Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports.
* Demonstrates proper use of databases and other tools to ensure citizens are provided with all available
services.
* Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
* Experience in typical office software systems (Microsoft Office and Google Suite) preferred.
* Bilingual (Spanish, Haitian Creole, CaboVerdean Creole, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or Mandarin) preferred.
* MA Driver's License preferred.
* Travel throughout Boston is required in support of the position's responsibilities.
* Flexible schedule, as some nights and weekends are required.

City of Boston residency required.
Subject to CORI check.

Terms:

Union/Salary Grade/Salary Plan:

SEIU/RL-14
Hours Per Week: 35
			

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