Position: Entitlements Specialist

Location: Cortelyou Rd Supportive Housing Program - Flatbush

Reports to: Program Director

Hours: Full Time - 35 hours per week Monday - Friday - Ability to work 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm, twice a week (Schedule TBD)

Salary Range: $45,000 - $47,000

About the Program: Founded in 1866, Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) empowers children and families to

reach their full potential, strengthen families, and foster self-sufficiency in adults. With programs in 40 locations,

BCS serves more than 20,000 individuals a year.

Cortelyou is a 46 unit supportive housing program located in Flatbush Brooklyn. The Program specially services

young adults 18-25 years old with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness and have a chronic history of being

unhoused. Most of the young adults living at Cortelyou are members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Program

offers a safe environment and supportive services to help our young adults to move towards long term stability. This

Program is under the NY/NY 15 population C agreement and funding is being provided through the Department of

Health and Mental Hygiene.

Position Summary:

Under the general guidance of the Assistant Program Director, the Entitlements Specialist will determine all tenants� eligibility for any and all financial programs that might provide coverage for their personal and healthcare needs, including Medicaid; Affordable Connectivity and Energy Affordable Program, Life Line, pantries and other community resources. The Entitlement Specialist�s primary responsibility will be working with Cortelyou�s staff to assist in the securing government benefits for clients that are eligible to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Provide consistent high quality program services in accordance with funder and regulatory requirements;
• best practices; BCS policies and Core Values; and Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. Serve as a role model to all stakeholders.
• Input, retrieve, and manage data in the agency�s electronic health record system (Apricot) and the city�s data system (TMS), per agency and program standards and expectations.
• Provide assistance in obtaining and maintaining all government benefits and services for which the client is potentially eligible.
• Assist clients in applying for entitlements through the various ways to apply, including reminder calls with respect to recertification and guidance on using existing technology/websites/apps;
• Conduct follow-up for outcomes;
• Assist clients in obtaining documentation such as birth certificates, social security card and any additional document required for application processes;
• Provide individual counseling to participants around benefits-related issues; and or other issues that may arise;
• Submit weekly and monthly reports to Assistant Director
• Assist and coordinate with external providers that are affiliated with BCS for presentations and outreach services to clients;
• Attend trainings as required;
• Participate in and support advocacy efforts at Cortelyou Supportive Housing Program including being knowledgeable of all wrap-around services provided by DOHMH.
• Establish, maintain, and grow new and existing relationships with community leaders and organizations to create community linkages
• Help to increase effectiveness and collaboration among MHANY and Cortelyou Supportive Housing Program
• Provide support services to clients, either in the tenant�s apartment or in the BCS office.
• Assist in resolving tenant issues and disputes
• Other tasks, as may be required.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree or strong record of relevant experience
• Knowledge of Government Assistance Programs
• Previous work experience in a social service agency or non-profit organization
• Interest in working with underserved populations.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; great attention to detail
• Ability to trouble-shoot complex issues in regards to the application process when applying for governmental benefits.
• Proven ability to work with a range of people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances
• Maintain client and staff confidentiality
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Gmail, etc.)
• Ability to work until 8 pm, twice a week
• Bilingual skills in Spanish a plus
• Familiarity electronic data records systems
• Must undergo pre-employment screenings such as the Criminal Background Check required by DOHMH

BCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to

individuals with disabilities