Associate Benefits Opportunity Specialist

Customized Assistance Services (CAS) helps Human Resources Administration (HRA) clients with health and/or mental health conditions reach their highest attainable level of functioning and self-sufficiency by providing comprehensive, integrated, individualized clinical and supportive services. CAS works with other components of HRA and with other governmental and non-governmental service provides to create new programs and to integrate and refine existing services so the people it serves can achieve their maximum functional capacity.

Under the direction of the Associate Benefits Opportunity Specialist II, the supervisor is responsible for supervising a team of BOS staff, who handle the entire Application and Recertification process for cases with HVN/HB status. These functions of include eligibility determination for Cash Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Emergency Requests (One Shot Deal), Recertifications, interviews (in-person and via telephone), and other related services to persons in need, to promote individual and family self-sufficiency.
Applicants and participants who The ABOS I uses supervisory, program development, quantitative analysis, and other research skills in accomplishing all the goals of CAS Benefits Access Center and its components.

Customized Assistance Services (CAS) is seeking to recruit one (1) ABOS I who will:

• Assign application and recertifications to staff; review recommendations and sign off on all benefits, as well as case entries.

• Perform outreach to clients scheduled for HVN/HB appointments to confirm availability for interview.

• Supervise staff who interview and determine housing needs of tenants at risk of homelessness or already homeless reporting to Benefits Access Centers. Assist in the development of anti-eviction/housing plan of intervention for referred participants.

• Prepare daily and weekly statistical reports on work performed, as well as monthly audits.

• Monitor time and leave for all reporting staff to ensure adequate coverage for servicing clients. This includes approving timesheets and vacation requests.

• Train, develop and coach staff on updates to HVN/HB policies and procedures.

• Assist with guidance on difficult cases. This may include working with advocates to ensure client documentation is received to support eligibility requirements.

• Supervise a team of JOS who provide service for those clients who walk-in or telephone the center.

• Provide disciplinary oversight to all assigned team members.

• May conduct field visits.

1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and three years of
full-time satisfactory experience working directly in social/human services or a
related setting, providing either:
a) client services;
b) employment planning/counseling services which involves job development,
skills assessment, and employment placement or other economic
opportunity programming.
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen months of full-time satisfactory experience working as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist; or
3. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; plus eighteen months of full-time satisfactory experience as described in one (1) above.
4. College credit from an accredited college may be substituted for this experience
on the basis of 60 semester credits for 9 months of the work experience described
above. However, all candidates must have at least 18 months of full-time
satisfactory experience working as a Benefits Opportunity Specialist or performing
social/human services work as described in one (1) above.

**LOAN FORGIVENESS

The federal government provides student loan forgiveness through its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) to all qualifying public service employees. Working with the DSS/HRA/DHS qualifies you as a public service employee and you may be able to take advantage of this program while working full-time and meeting the program’s other requirements.

Please visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program site to view the eligibility requirements:
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

In addition, the Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services offers competitive salaries and the following benefits:

Generous Pension Plans (The New York Employees' Retirement System);
401(k) and Roth 457 Retirement Savings Programs;
U.S. Savings Bonds Flexible Spending Program;
Health Benefits, Dental, Vision Coverage, Prescription Drug Program;
Training and Professional Development;
Opportunity for Scholarship; College Savings Program;
Paid Holidays and Generous Annual Leave.

APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE ASSOCIATE JOB OPPORTUNITY SPECIALIST CIVIL SERVICE TITLE.

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This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

9:00am-17:00pm (Flexible)

109 E 16Th St., N.Y.

New York City Residency is not required for this position