Representative Payee Program Coordinator II

Mission:

The mission of Bread for the City is to help Washington, DC residents living with low income to develop the power to determine the future of their own communities. We provide food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services to reduce the burden of poverty. We seek justice through community organizing and public advocacy. We work to uproot racism, a major cause of poverty. We are committed to treating our clients with the dignity and respect that all people deserve.

Position Profile:

The Representative Payee Program Coordinator provides support to the Payee Services Program within the Bread for the City Social Services Program at the Northwest Service Center.

As an Organizational Representative Payee Bread for the City assists clients with chronic mental illness in the management of their disability benefits and eligibility for benefits in collaboration with mental health providers at community-based agencies certified by the DC Department of Behavioral Health. The Representative Payee Program Coordinator provides direct service to clients and acts as the liaison to their mental health providers to plan for the disbursal of funds according to a preset budget, address other money management needs, and maintain clients’ benefit eligibility by developing documentation for reporting to the Social Security Administration.

The Representative Payee Program Supervisor provides guidance and direction to the Representative Payee Program Coordinator and is responsible for completing an annual performance review.

Our ideal candidate is a highly motivated and organized individual who has the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced office environment. The Coordinator must provide timely and accurate assistance to our clients, staff, and greater community while exemplifying our motto of treating people with dignity and respect. All staff members of the Representative Payee Program are expected to work as part of this energetic and innovative team in order to provide the highest level of service possible to our clients. Collaboration among team members is essential and creative problem solving is strongly encouraged.

Essential Responsibilities:

• When on site, arrives daily in time to provide 8:30am client services;
• Coordinates representative payee services for individual caseload of clients who receive primary mental health support through certified community-based providers of the DC Department of Behavioral Health;
• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with other members of the Representative Payee Program team, members of community-based mental health provider teams, and other members of client support systems;
• Provides direct service to payee consumers, which may include, enrollment of new consumers; sharing of account information and resources during walk-in shifts; follow-up for the maintenance of eligibility for SSA benefits; assistance with budgeting and well-planned spending of benefits; and coordination with mental health team on issues of discharge and termination of services;
• Reviews and maintains records and develops documentation regarding changes in clients’ situations that may impact benefit eligibility;
• Develops and implements expertise in the area of Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Income eligibility and other related benefits (Medicaid, Medicare, etc.);

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree and/or experience in human services;
• Desire and ability to provide services within an atmosphere of dignity and respect;
• Experience or dedication to working with chronically mentally ill and low-income populations;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice issues;
• Strong time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple tasks and set priorities to meet deadlines;
• Excellent customer service and telephone skills, interpersonal skills, and an ability to work well with a wide variety of people;
• Ability to work with and for a diverse staff;
• Flexibility, optimism, empathy, creativity, and a cooperative spirit in face of hectic working conditions without private office and with frequent interruptions; a sense of humor helps;
• The ability to build rapport with diverse clients, coworkers and colleagues through effective communication, listening skills, and empathy;
• The ability to work independently and solve problems creatively;
• Superior written and oral communication skills and outstanding computer skills, including the capacity to use Microsoft Office and learn other programs to manage a high volume of detailed information and responsibilities;
• Demonstrated ability to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team, including the ability to work with volunteers in a professional and collaborative manner;
• Willingness to learn and carry out Bread for the City's commitments to social justice and racial equity;
• Familiarity with Google Organization & Productivity Tools (Gmail, Google Docs, Calendar) and/or ability to learn new technology systems.

The following are a plus, but not required:

• Previous knowledge of Social Security Administration benefits and the responsibilities of a Representative payee or other District of Columbia public benefits;
• Fluency in Spanish and/or other foreign languages.

All staff members of Bread for the City work as part of an energetic and innovative team, in order to provide the highest level of service possible to our consumers. Collaboration among team members is essential, and creative problem solving is strongly encouraged. This is a fulltime, hourly position with benefits including health and dental, vacation and sick leave.

Bread for the City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family responsibility, physical or mental disability, medical condition, status as a veteran, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

To apply:

You must complete an application through Bread for the City’s ADP portal. Click here to review available openings and click on "Representative Payee Program Coordinator II" position. Then select "apply" at the top right hand corner to register for a login and apply for the position. Please upload a resume and cover letter that speaks to your interest and qualifications through this online application process. Your application will not be considered complete unless it includes a cover letter. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls.

The following is a plus, but not required:

• Fluency in Spanish and/or other foreign languages.