Entitlement Specialist - Mental Health Assn. of Nassau County : Job Details

Job Type Full-time Description Mental Health Association of Nassau County (MHANC) is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to improving mental health in our community through advocacy, education, program development, and the delivery of direct services. Our organization is looking for a motivated individual with a calling to help adults with mental illness by becoming an Entitlement Specialist. The Entitlement Specialist will work closely with all Financial Management Representative Payee enrolled consumers to ensure benefits are maintained and all documentation is submitted as required in a timely manner. The Entitlement Specialist will act as a liaison between consumers and third-party organizations such as Medicaid, Medicare, Department of Social Services, and Social Security Administration to ensure benefits continue without interruption. The Entitlement Specialist will act as a resource to staff, consumers and service providers regarding completion of applications, available & appropriate benefits and how earnings affect various entitlements and benefits. The Entitlement Specialist works collaboratively with Financial Management program staff in ensuring general administrative duties are completed throughout the day including telephone and walk-in coverage, mail, filing and other duties as assigned. Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist in screening of consumers during the intake process to determine eligibility for benefits.
• Complete all necessary Social Security and OTDA (SSP) benefit applications for consumers enrolled in MHA Financial Management Representative Payee Program in a timely manner. Ensure all necessary documentation is obtained from appropriate sources and submitted within the necessary timeframe and follow-up with service providers on status of application.
• Participate in weekly Social Security Administration conference calls to provide updates on consumer information and resolve issues regarding consumer benefits. Communicate outcomes or ongoing efforts to consumers and service providers on a regular basis.
• Complete semi-annual Social Security Representative Payee Accounting Reports, Continuing Disability Reviews, and Disability Update Reports for all consumers enrolled in the Financial Management Representative Payee Program according to Social Security Administration regulations.
• Monitor work activity of consumers enrolled in the Financial Management Program and submit paystubs to the Social Security Administration in a timely manner. Provide education and guidance to consumers, MHANC staff and providers on the benefits and effects of earnings and various benefits and entitlements programs consumers receive.
• Provide guidance to MHANC staff to assist with completion of applications for benefits/entitlements, including obtaining required documentation and following through to ensure application is completed and approved.
• As required, provide direct assistance to MHANC staff and consumers, and accompany to SSA/DSS for application/appeal process.
• Remain abreast of and follow current Social Security, OTDA regulations for benefit enrollment and recommend appropriate updates of organizational policies.
• Maintain accurate records according to Social Security Administration regulations and Mental Health Association policy and procedures.
• Participate in case conferencing as required and meet individually with consumers as required.
• Assist program staff in coverage of main department phone lines, email and walk-in requests for information as necessary.
• Accepts and follows through on other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in human service related field and/or education required.
• Three or more years' experience in Social Services with specific work experience in entitlements and benefits, specifically; Social Security (SSI/SSDI, Title II, DAC, Earning Calculations), Medicaid, Medicare, and Public Assistance.

• Valid NYS Driver's License
• Microsoft Outlook Suite, Internet experience and working knowledge of computer operations including Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Demonstrated experience in effective professional communication, organization and multitasking.
• Must be able to handle simultaneous challenging situations in a high stress environment.
• Must have flexibility, personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with consumers, personnel and support agencies.