Benefits Access Coordinator

About Irish Community Services

Working for a vibrant, connected, and caring Irish community

Irish Community Services is a 501(C)3 not-for-profit founded in 1998 to support the needs of a newly arrived wave of immigrants from Ireland. Since then, we have grown to serve a variety of community members across generations and from around the world. We offer a variety of support and engagement opportunities including senior groups, toddler groups, immigration programs, community wellness initiatives, and short-term support for individuals in need.

ICS is comprised of a committed team of staff and volunteers dedicated to making a difference in our community.

Job Description

The Benefits Access Program (BAP) provides:

• Case management services to Irish Community Service (ICS) clients—mostly immigrant and refugee individuals and families—who need assistance accessing and/or maintaining benefits and services related to nutritional, medical, housing, psychological, childcare, and employment needs.
• Intake and assessment, collaborative goal setting, service plan creation, and regular client follow-up.
• Information and referral services about benefits and other services available through state and federal level programs or accessible through local community organizations.
• Accurate interpretation and/or translation services for ICS clients who—due to language barriers—have difficulty communicating with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and other agencies offering supports.
• Outreach to community members and immigrant and refugee communities about the availability of public benefits and other support services.

Job Responsibilities.

The Benefits Access Coordinator will:

• Collaborate with the Immigration Program Manager to plan and execute the Benefits Access Program.
• Communicate with clients and help them to apply for public benefits.
• Process IDHS and non-IDHS applications and prepare clients’ supporting documents.
• Provide clients with intake documents and ensure these are completed correctly.
• Comply with funder guidelines for program delivery and reporting.
• Safeguard the content and confidentiality of files.
• Maintain accurate and organized records.
• Provide Spanish/English translation and interpretation services for limited-English speaking clients as they engage with IDHS and non-IDHS agencies.
• Inform potential clients of BAP services and disseminate accurate information regarding these services to immigrant and refugee communities.
• Guide and monitor program activities to ensure compliance with all service contract requirements, including the submission of accurate, timely programmatic reports to funders.
• Collaborate with the ICS team to design and implement new strategies for the BAP.
• Build relationships with community partners to ensure coordinated delivery of effective and efficient services.
• Oversee data collection and evaluation efforts for programming.
• Occasionally contribute to board organizational tasks that extend beyond activities specifically related to the Benefits Access Program, including but not limited to, office activities, outreach initiatives, and attending key community partner events.

Essential Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in community programming or social services setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to speak English and Spanish to a professional level.

Note: Must be authorized to work in the US for this role without restrictions.

Location: Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Programs will regularly be hosted at off-site locations in the Chicagoland area.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30 am — 4.30 pm, with regular, prearranged weekend and evening work to facilitate program activity and community engagement.

Salary : $40,000 - $45,000 per year

Benefits:

• Contribution to health insurance
• Generous PTO and paid public holidays