JR 4631
Public Benefits Specialist
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Salary: $23.24 to $28.28 per hour
Pay Frequency: 24 Pay Periods Per Year
Full Time
Non-Exempt
Driving Required

PATH is seeking candidates passionate about helping others make a positive change in their lives to join our SSVF Team as the Public Benefits Specialist at the RHC Office.

ABOUT PATH
Since its foundation in 1984, PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) has pioneered bold and effective approaches to assist people experiencing homelessness. PATH operates services throughout California, connecting our clients to a comprehensive continuum of homelessness prevention, street outreach, employment preparation and placement assistance, individualized case management, supportive services, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing. 

ABOUT OUR TEAM
Every program in our growing range of services is designed to holistically address barriers to long-term housing stability, implementing evidenced-based practices to promote improved wellbeing beyond housing alone. We are committed to improving the quality of our services by creating a diverse work environment for the community at large. We seek the input from our clients, employees, and stakeholders to ensure equity in service delivery and accessibility for all the people we serve.

ABOUT THE JOB
As part of the SSVF Team, the Public Benefits Specialist provides targeted support for benefits advocacy to individuals currently or at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Position Responsibilities include: 

• Participate in street outreach activities to develop relationships and build rapport in the interest of connecting clients to long-term services designed to help them obtain and maintain permanent housing and improve their overall well-being
• Receive and accept benefits assistance referrals.
• Initiate and track the progress of referrals throughout the provision of services.
• Provide strengths-based service coordination services designed to assist clients with obtaining and maintaining mainstream benefits.
• Provide supportive services focused on enhancing clients’ ability to independently problem-solve, utilize effective coping skills, and manage and self-coordinate own care.
• Utilize evidence-based practices in service delivery, such as intensive case management, Motivational Interviewing,

WHAT YOU BRING
We’re looking for candidates with:

• Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail: Gather and interpret data, identifying trends, patterns, and insights to inform decision-making. Ability to consistently produce high-quality work, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work effectively with others, seeking out and building positive working relationships with colleagues, participants, and stakeholders. Work effectively with others, contributing to team goals and recognizing the strengths and contributions of others.
• Communication: Convey information clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing) to individuals and groups in a manner that informs, engages and maintains their attention.
• Creativity and Initiative: Take action and make decisions without being prompted, demonstrating a proactive approach to work and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Think outside the box, generating innovative solutions to problems or challenges.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Analyze and evaluate information and situations, identify key issues, consider alternatives, and make logical decisions based on sound reasoning that will achieve the desired outcome.
• Ethics and Boundaries: Maintain ethical and professional standards, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing the right thing in all situations while maintaining professional boundaries.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in healthcare, case management, homeless services or working with vulnerable populations.
• Lived experience demonstrating successful recovery with issues related to homelessness, mental health, and/or substance use challenges which can be utilized to enhance effectiveness of services by informing service models and/or supporting clients through shared personal experiences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) years of experience in healthcare, case management, homeless services or working with vulnerable populations or a related field.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
Regardless of qualifications, candidates must:

• Have employment eligibility verification
• Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR/First Aid training
• Successfully complete the following as a condition of hire:
  • Tuberculosis Test
  • Background Screening
  • Drug Test

DRIVING
Driving is an essential function of this position. To meet the employment requirements for this role, all candidates must: 

• Have reliable transportation
• A valid driver’s license
• Proof of insurance and ownership for personal vehicles used during work duties
• The ability to qualify for PATH's insurance coverage