JOB SUMMARY: The Public Benefits Case Manager will specialize in connecting all CJSC participants to public benefits and privileges that support successful outcomes including MassHealth, SNAP benefits, SSI and SSDI, state IDs and any other relevant public health benefits that support better outcomes for participants.  By ensuring that clients are engaged with appropriate public benefits to address emerging needs the Public Benefits Case Manager will help clients become more responsive to treatment, education and employment services delivered by CJSC staff as part of a treatment plan.

He/she will be familiar with resources available in the surrounding communities, networking within those communities, making referrals to community supports as needed and documenting participant progress at the CJSC. The Public Benefits Case Manager will demonstrate the character values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring.

Program/Department Responsibility:

• Conduct intake interviews with participants to identify essential needs (housing, food, healthcare, personal finance) and provide pathways to access benefits and services available through state agencies/benefits providers and work with CJSC staff to educate and assist in connecting participants to these benefits.
• Receive information from actuarial risk/needs assessment tools to determine essential needs and actively support participant access to needed services and benefits through various pathways.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local community partners who can provide core and pro-social services/activities to clients and connect clients to these services/activities.
• Core and Pro Social Services include but are not limited to:
  • Core Services to include DTA for SNAP benefits, SSI and SSDI benefits, Veteran’s benefits, education, vocational services / employment services and employment, behavioral health, medical services, housing, food, insurance and other benefits.
  • Pro-social Services to include civic engagement / community service, recreation, faith-based activities, gender-specific activities, mentoring services/activities.
• Act as the CJSC liaison for local community partners and state agencies/benefits providers to ensure streamlined and effective communication and access for clients and families including: becoming a Certified Application Coordinator to submit electronic benefits application to MassHealth and accessing DTA Connect to submit electronic benefits applications to SNAP.
• Master eligibility requirements for SSI, SSDI and Veteran’s benefits and support eligible participants in their application for benefits.
• Offer trainings and briefings to participants and or CJSC staff on various areas of benefits and service programs.
• Maintain documentation of information specific to established resources, participant referral/participation in resources and information provided to CJSC staff.
• Cross-train in actuarial assessment tools for risk/need, treatment planning and contingency management protocols as needed.

Supervision of Personnel:   NONE

Fiscal Responsibility:  Adhere to all fiscal policies and procedures such as petty cash, purchase orders, credit cards and employee expenses as requested. 

Facility/Housekeeping Responsibility: Ensure the highest level of cleanliness by cleaning and/or inspecting areas of responsibility.

Interdivisional/Community/Volunteer Responsibility:

• Attend all assigned meetings.
• Actively participate in the Y’s Annual Campaign.