Benefits Access Specialist, Community Schools

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) provides leadership on issues of economic justice by advancing racial equity and inclusive growth to ensure that all Philadelphians share in the city’s prosperous future and by alleviating the immediate impact of poverty on individuals, families and communities. CEO is Philadelphia’s Community Action Agency (CAA); CAAs are private or public agencies created by the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act and federally designated to receive Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding.

CEO’s Guiding Principles

• We believe city government has the responsibility to provide opportunities to and promote the well-being of all citizens while representing their best interests.

• We believe the people of Philadelphia deserve the opportunity to live happy, healthy, and full lives.

• We believe people can offer meaningful insights into both their personal experiences and how the systems around them function.

• We believe poverty is a systemic issue and city government can lead in dismantling the barriers that often prevent opportunities.

CEO’s Values

• Dignity: How we treat the community we serve is reflective of how we treat each other.

• Inclusivity: People at all levels of CEO are invited to participate in every way.

• Persistence: When we get discouraged, we find ways to lift each other up and push forward.

• Accountability: We are transparent and honest about our plans, our actions, and our results.

• Honesty: We create a safe space without judgment to have healthy and honest dialogue about systems, people and misconceptions.

Position Summary

The Benefits Access Specialist-- Community Schools (BAS - CS) plays an essential role in enhancing the services provided by the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) through its BenePhilly Program for both service providers and low-income families. BAS-CS provides direct services to individuals and families that are enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia's Community Schools through system navigation, application assistance and referrals for public benefits like SNAP, medical assistance, utility assistance and more. The BAS acts as a subject matter expert (SME) on entitlements and benefits programs for Philadelphia residents and establishes, maintains, and shares current information with community partners and clients. BAS develops resources, promotes collaboration and builds partnerships with key stakeholders to assist in outreach recruitment and coordination. In a linchpin position, the BAS-CS works with the BenePhilly and Community Partners to achieve community and family goals. The position is grant funded until June 30, 2026, with the potential to renew annually by the funder. CEO will give the employee notice of position continuation before contract expires.

Essential Functions

• Provide superior services that demonstrate the responsiveness of the office to community needs, providing enhanced visibility, and positive impact.

• Document services provided and track clients’ progress to maximize impact and create an auditable paper trail to demonstrate the quality and impact of services.

• Engage in direct family outreach for Community Schools clients to schedule benefits screening. Work at various school district campuses and partnered site locations to reach clients.

• Interview clients to establish their needs and to determine their eligibility for benefits and entitlement programs. Answer consumer questions about entitlement programs, eligibility, and application procedures. Interpret and explain information such as eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods, and applicants' rights.

• Assist clients in preparing applications and forms for public benefits and when appropriate refer applicants to other agencies for access to resources. Document and evaluate personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status.

• Follow-up with clients to obtain needed documentation to complete their application and provide support to address obstacles to successful benefits enrollment.

• Collect information from clients to identify and report on the outcomes of the services rendered.

• Work with supervisor to assess challenges in providing benefits services and successful enrollment for clients, suggest solutions, and implement those changes as directed by supervisor.

• Participate in community-based activities and events promoting CEO and City initiatives; and disseminating community-based organizations (CBO) or partners resources supported by CEO.

• Identify potential initiatives conducive to the mission of CEO and Benefits Access Unit and mobile services.

• Ensure that client files are in compliance with funder guidelines and regulations.

• Conduct initial intake to verify consumer eligibility for entitlement programs using benefits software. Collect accurate knowledge of when and where services begin and their end date.

• Keep records of assigned cases in agency’s data collection system. Use data collection software to assess client needs, document services rendered, develop a client’s customized services plan, and track progress towards mutually agreed upon goals, i.e., enrollment into entitlement program(s).

• Provide case notes that fully document services rendered.

• Locate and correct data entry errors or report them to supervisors.

• Complete monthly Characteristic, Services and Limited English Proficiency reports as outlined by funder and City of Philadelphia respective requirements. 

• Work with supervisor to implement assigned human service programs when needed, e.g., Family Savings Account, Municipal ID, etc.

• Participate in on-going professional development trainings—both voluntarily and mandatory, such as in-services, staff meetings, conferences, etc.

• Provide translation services for all Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents utilizing language access lines.

• Stay abreast and inform Philadelphia residents of policy changes and implications as they relate to vulnerable populations.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Candidate must have at least 3-5 years working in social services or related field.

• Must have some understanding of public benefits and role of government in administering benefits programs.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ancillary software.

• Must have valid PA driver’s license.

• Creative, motivated, and the ability to meet deadlines.

• The ability to work alone and in a team setting; excellent customer service skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication, critical thinking and problem skills, comfort using technology

• Comfort working in diverse environments and with diverse clients (including families, ex-offenders, individuals with behavioral/mental health and or substance abuse issues, people experiencing homelessness, etc.).

• The ability to maintain confidentiality.

• The ability to occasionally work nights and weekends.

• Candidate must have high school diploma or equivalent.

• Bi-lingual is preferred but not required.

Other Specialties, Certifications, Physical Requirements, and Work Conditions

• Regular, predictable attendance is required.

• This position operates in an office setting and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

• Exertion of physical strength to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 10 pounds. Work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

• Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

• Routine travel with in the City of Philadelphia to meet clients in community settings.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary: $55,000 - $60,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx