Benefits Counselor

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Benefits Coordinator is responsible for assessing and assisting clients with the application process to acquire Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Income-related benefits. The Coordinator will also conduct outreach to identify program participants needing assistance and will establish and maintain positive relationships with area healthcare providers, service organizations, and government agencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Guide clients through benefit applications and the necessary paperwork.

• Assist clients with Medicaid spend down. 

• Conduct client assessment for potential eligibility for disability SSI/SSI-related benefits. 

• Assist individuals via meetings, electronic communication, and telephone to develop and file an electronic Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits application for Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and monitor the status of submitted applications. 

• Establish a list of case needs and complete online and hard copy documentation related to client benefit applications. 

• Develop collaborative relationships with the SSA, medical providers, Care Managers, legal representatives, and individuals eligible for SSI/SSI-related benefits.

• Obtain and organize all pertinent medical evidence and draft reports as part of the SSA application for SSI/SSI-related benefits. 

• Interview members for medical and functional summary reports. 

• File appeal documents as needed and collaborate with SSA and Department of Disability Services on reconsideration of cases. 

• Research and remain current on applicable rules and regulations with regard to SSI/SSI-related application and benefits. 

• Provide outreach and basic need connections for members experiencing issues with housing and food and needing medical attention.

• Link members with appropriate community support systems during and following the SSI/SSI-related application process to ensure a broad continuum of care.

• Learn and interpret eligibility policies and procedures with regard to Medicaid-related benefits and services and perform screening activities. 

• Accurately maintain all member records and documents and track all activity for each case. 

• Assist with tracking clients for scheduled and ad hoc reporting. 

• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA, and to Sound policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy and security.

• Other duties as assigned. 

KEY WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Establishes and maintains positive, ethical, and professional working relationships with clinical team members, residents, and outside organizations. Relates to a wide variety of people including members of ethnic and sexual minority populations and is respectful of individual and cultural differences

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.

• AA/AS in Behavioral Sciences preferred.

• No experience required if the educational level is AA or above.

• Minimum 2 years' experience in human services or with special needs population required, if the educational level is high school or GED.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Strong commitment to working with individuals with a mental illness/personal care need.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Good problem-solving skills.

• Willingness to be flexible and work varied hours.

• Willingness to work as a team.

• Ability to learn new tasks and skills quickly.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.

• Ability to work independently and be a self-starter.

• Ability to manage crisis effectively.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS

• A current Nursing Assistant Certification or current Home Care Aide Certification credential with Washington State needs to be obtained.

• Must be able to obtain a Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor credential within the first 60 days of hire.

• Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record required.

• Must successfully pass criminal background checks.

• Acquire and Maintain a current First Aid and CPR cards.

• Acquire and Maintain a current Food Handler's Permit.

• Submit to a TB test with acceptable results.

• Completes required Boarding Home "Mental Health Standards of Care" training as prescribed in WAC.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to use hands, fingers to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

• The team member frequently is required to stand and sit.

• The team member is occasionally required to walk.

• The team member must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds or more with assistance.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

• Individuals must be able to engage vendors, team members, residents and others over the phone and in-person by voice.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above Job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work performed; it is not intended as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and required skills for the Job. Team members will be required to follow any other Job-related instructions and to perform other duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities necessary to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.