Client Benefits Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview: The Client Benefits Specialist supports the best possible resettlement and post-resettlement experience by supporting clients in accessing and maintaining public, nonprofit and private sector benefits. They provide services with a strong emphasis on empowerment through a strengths-based approach that supports clients to thrive in their community.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide a wide variety of direct client services through a trauma-informed framework that safeguards and promotes the dignity and self-determination of clients. Connect clients with IRC and partner resources with a focus on clear and timely communication.
• Work across direct services teams (Casework, Employment, Family Wellbeing) to communicate information to clients, advocate on their behalf, and support the coordination of services.
• Provide supplemental support, as needed, to Casework team in preparing initial client applications for local Departments of Social Services to secure benefits including cash assistance (TANF and RCA), SNAP, and Medicaid; Social Security Administration (SSI and SSDI), and other related benefits as appropriate.
• Maintain system to remind clients of upcoming required reviews concerning their benefits, and provide additional assistance as needed to complete required documentation to ensure they compete requirements to maintain eligibility.  Educate clients needing additional assistance on completing required paperwork to support their ability to independently meet requirements.
• Assist families eligible for Child Care Subsidies to identify appropriate placements and obtain benefits. 
• Assist families applying for public housing or housing voucher programs to properly complete applications.
• Assist families to apply for a local Affordable Connectivity Program to obtain low-cost or free internet and cell phone service with corresponding voice and data plans.
• Coordinate and assure uptake of private sector donation programs such as DoorDash and Lyft vouchers.
• Conduct research into and increase usage of benefits and services not currently offered or inconsistently provided to clients.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local Departments of Social Services and other public and community organizations for client referrals as needed.
• Detail each client interaction in accordance with program requirements. Input client information in database(s) and assist with tracking and reporting as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred.

Work Experience:

• Relevant professional experience in human services, customer service, or work requiring accurate and timely recordkeeping required; minimum of 2 years’ experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Strong commitment to ensuring the success of the IRC mission while adhering to the values of service, accountability, integrity, and equality as defined in the IRC Way.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by IRC’s clients is desired; including Dari, Farsi, and/or Pashto.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
• Valid driver’s license and access to personal, insured vehicle.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.

Compensation: (Pay Range: $22 - $23.60) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.