Compensation is $28.32/hour

Company Overview

For more than 50 years, Berkeley Food & Housing Project (BFHP) has provided a comprehensive range of housing, food, and support services to help those in need move from homelessness into a safe and affordable home of their own. We serve in six counties in the bay area - Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Solano County, Sacramento County, San Joaquin County and Amador County. We are proud of our team members who are very dedicated in our mission to ease and end the crisis of homelessness in our communities.

Program Overview

The Roads Home program is designed to serve very low-income, primarily homeless Veterans and Veteran families. The program assists Veterans in exiting homelessness to permanent housing and in maintaining a permanent housing placement. Services provided by BFHP include street and venue-based outreach, case management, permanent housing placement, employment services and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits.

Position Summary

The Income and Benefits Specialist (IBS) position is key to ensuring participant’s long-term housing stability and achieving BFHP’s annual goals and outcomes. The IBS is responsible for assisting program participants to increase their income and remain stably housed. The IBS partners with the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) by providing referrals for employment assistance for those Veterans who can work. For those Veterans who are unable to work, the IBS will assist with obtaining VA benefits and/or SSI/SSDI benefits. The IBS works in close coordination with the Case Manager and with the employment services team across BFHP programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist participants with SSI/SSDI application using SOAR
• Assist Veterans with VA benefits enrollment, and Service Connected Disability, restarting disability benefits, SSI/SSDI benefit enrollment, providing healthcare access and resources.
• Maintain concise and up-to-date client files; including required documentation and case/progress notes, complete and accurate completion of paperwork and HMIS data entry in a timely manner.
• Assist Veteran with financial literacy, including budgeting, money management and savings
• Facilitate financial literacy and money management classes for participants.
• Maintain Veteran participant caseload, using case management approach focused on increasing income. Make referrals to in-house and outside services, as appropriate, including counseling on mental health issues, legal advocacy, job readiness workshops, and pre-employment training.
• Assess participant’ readiness for work and guide them through the referral process for HVRP.
• Work with participants to develop an individualized strengths-based smart goal plan addressing the needs and barriers identified in the assessment process.
• Refer participants to appropriate education, training and employment resources. Determine eligibility for federal/state employment & training programs.
• Case coordinate with Case Manager and community service providers to support participant success.
• Adhere to laws regarding confidentiality and reporting requirements; maintain knowledge of current HIPAA certification standards.
• Have a clear understanding of PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, alcohol and drug dependency and other mental health issues.
• Participate in department staff meetings and case conferences.
• Perform other related duties as required by supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• BA/BS in Social Services or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of two years experience in financial management or budgeting.
• Knowledge of the special population, familiarity with issues surrounding trauma, mental illness and substance abuse strongly preferred. Familiar with client intake and assessments.
• Strong communication skills with behavioral interviewing skills, including the ability to produce solid documentation in a computer based system.
• Ability to work independently, with minimum supervision and as a member of a team.
• Ability to interact in a supportive and professional manner with staff and clients of diverse culture and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work unsupervised, in the field for part of shift with a commitment to issues related to ending homelessness through employment.
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and follow through. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude and appearance at all times.
• Proficiency on PC computer systems and Microsoft Office, including the ability to perform word processing, data entry, and other tasks at a computer workstation.

Special Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle and clean DMV record.
• Must be able to obtain background check clearance.
• Must be able to lift or move up to 50 lbs.

We are extremely proud of our diverse team and welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, language, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.