Entitlement Specialist

Summary:

The Entitlement Specialist responsibilities are assisting with completing applications for eligibility, enrollment and or renewal; assessing and gathering information to determine/re-determine the eligibility of individuals and families for assistance with food, financial, medical, and for other social services’ benefits programs.

The work is performed within established policies, procedures, and guidelines set by regulated programs through the government/entity, but certain aspects of this position requires working knowledge, as related to the evaluation of information presented that may influence eligibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

General work tasks included but not limited to:

• Interviews persons to assess what type of assistance is needed
• Obtain necessary information/documentation, to determine or re-determine eligibility and to assist with processing application submission.
• Explains benefit programs and assist with finding the needed benefits/services.
• Assist/complete necessary forms for various services/benefits, such as Medicaid/Medicare, SSI, Citizenship, Transportation, etc.
• Helping clients find assistance for daily tasks such as Transportation, Nutrition, etc.
• Assist consumers with the replacement of social security cards and birth certificates
• Liaison/Communicate with various benefit providers such as Medical Provider, HRA, Social Security, Medicaid/Medicare to settle disputes, create/confirm appointments, get updates and adjustments
• Assist in completing NYC & NYS Medicaid recertification
• Communicate updates on benefit program to the clients such SNAP, Housing, Financial, etc.
• Ensuring timely redemption of SNAP benefits,
• Contact EBT card services for any needed information- benefits, updates, etc.
• Ensure applications are submitted timely to HRA, SSI, Medicaid/Medicare, Public Assistance, etc.
• Verifies accuracy of information provided to ensure maximization of expected services/benefits.
• Assist in preparing Social Security recertification for all residents receiving Social Security Income
• Prepares Social Security Representative Payee Forms
• Assists in applying for emergency benefits such as COVID and rent relief
• Accurately enter data into appropriate databases
• Assist with initial and recertification application for housing and send Declaration of Hardship to appropriate entities.
• Explain updates or details on Emergency Rental Grants and assist with application
• Refer clients to legal services-Tenant Helpline, free Tax preparers for 1040s and claims for recovery rebate
• Contact managing agents about disputes for housing
• Assist with initial application and weekly certification for unemployment
• Obtain payment history, form 1099- unemployment
• Make inquiries for missing unemployment checks
• Keep records of submitted applications and prepare month end reports
• Prepare payment request report for client
• Revise the computer system with updates of all submitted cases and accounts referred
• Participates in professional development activities such as in-service trainings, seminars, webinars, and conferences as needed.
• Completes other duties as assigned and needed.

List of programs and services that the Entitlement Specialist will assist with- this is not a complete list. Full list will be given at employment.

Housing

Nutrition

Unemployment Insurance

Health Insurance

Social Security (SSI, SSDI, etc.)

Transportation

Citizenship & Civics

Taxes

Requirements, Qualifications, Skills:

• Minimum requirement- High School Diploma/Equivalent with one to two years of relevant experience working in/with Entitlement: HRA, Public Assistance, SSI, SSDI, Social Security, Medicaid/Medicare, Transportation, Housing, Food Stamp, etc.
• Bilingual Required- Spanish and English; Population of clients are predominantly Spanish speaking
• Proficient with Microsoft Office which includes Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, etc.
• High level of communication skills- speaking and writing
• Effective at problem solving
• Highly organized
• Highly effective with time management

Manhattan Valley Development is a nonprofit organization and management company based out of New York City. The mission of MVDC has remained constant since it's formation in 1968- to preserve, improve and develop housing for ethnically mixed, predominantly working class and low income families who live in the Valley.