Public Benefits Case Manager

About the Organization

Nationalities Service Center (NSC) serves more than 3,000 immigrants and refugees each year from over 110 countries. We provide comprehensive services in immigration law matters, community transition and integration, access to health and wellness, language access and proficiency, and job readiness training for immigrants and refugees. NSC’s mission is to welcome and empower immigrants to thrive in our communities and pursue a just future. Our vision is that all immigrants achieve a life of safety and stability, sustainable opportunities, and meaningful community connections.

Job Summary/Definition:

The Public Benefits Case Manager works directly with immigrant households in Philadelphia to provide public benefits eligibility screening and application assistance. Most cases will be open for 6 months and during this time, the Case Manager will provide training to clients to ensure they understand how to maintain ongoing access to benefits independently. The Case Manager will facilitate referrals to other NSC programs for which the clients may be eligible. The Public Benefits Case Manager will provide NSC’s clients with culturally and linguistically appropriate services, as part of this new initiative to expand access to public benefits.

The Public Benefits Case Manager has internal contacts with the entire staff and external contact with clients, representatives of other social services agencies and medical providers, and the community. This position has access to sensitive NSC and client information and is expected to handle such information with integrity and professionalism. The Public Benefits Case Manager will report directly to the Health Access Coordinator and will participate in department and agency-wide activities as necessary.

Job Duties:

Essential Duties

1. Screen referred newcomers for benefits eligibility based on immigration status, income, geographic, and household composition.
2. Assist eligible households with completing applications for benefits such as Medical Assistance, SNAP, WIC, Supplemental Security Income, and LIHEAP via online applications and/or accompaniment to appropriate offices as needed.
3. Provide individualized training to program participants to ensure they learn how to maintain ongoing access to benefits.
4. Occasionally accompany clients to County Assistance Office locations in Philadelphia to assist with application and training process.
5. Follow up and advocate with County Assistance Office, Social Security Administration and other external contacts as needed.
6. Facilitate referrals to other NSC programs, including supports for Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident.
7. Maintain accurate, timely, and orderly case file and database records per NSC and the funder’s guidelines.
8. Communicate with other NSC staff to coordinate services to clients.
9. Attend weekly Health Team meetings and monthly department meetings.
10. Other duties as assigned within the scope of position expectations and the mission of NSC.

Other Duties

1. Attend appropriate workshops, webinars, and other relevant professional development opportunities to maintain proper licensure and knowledge of programmatic guidelines and health promotion skills.
2. Actively participate in monthly department meetings and other department and agency meetings.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

• Basic knowledge of public benefits and eligibility criteria.
• Knowledge of basic case management procedures for determining eligibility, assessing needs, identifying resources, making referrals, following up, documenting client interactions and proactively supporting a client's pursuit of goals.
• Knowledge of community resources and benefits that impact and/or benefit the targeted client needs, as well as relevant legal and political issues.
• Proficiency using a computer, Microsoft Office, and a willingness to learn other software as needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively and professionally communicate with diverse groups of co-workers, clients, external business partners, and the community.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse group of co-workers, external business partners, and the community.
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to effectively interview and engage a client in appropriate programming.
• Ability to work in a team structure – demonstrating ability to collaborate and contribute to the team’s work.

Education/Experience Requirements:

Minimum Experience: Minimum of 1 year of case management experience and/or previous experience working within the refugee and immigrant community. Bilingual skills in English and one of the following preferred: Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, Dari, Pashto, Swahili or French.

Minimum Education: BSW/MSW degree or other social services undergraduate degree strongly preferred, or extensive work experience.

Certification/Licenses:

Valid driver’s license is preferred but not required.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
2. This position will be hybrid between NSC’s Center City office and remote work.
3. COVID-Vaccine: NSC has determined that the best way to protect our employees and the community we serve is to require all staff who are working on-site be fully vaccinated.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employees will need to maneuver around the office, be in a stationary position for extended periods of time, handle or feel objects, tools or equipment.
2. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
3. Operate related office equipment and use necessary tools.
4. Specific vision abilities required by the job include: frequent reading and close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

LOCATION AND HOURS This is a full-time, in-person position based in our Philadelphia office with potential for hybrid work as team needs allow. Our regular hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and this position requires working occasional evenings and weekends.

COMPENSATION The salary range is $46,000 - $48,904 commensurate with experience. The benefits package includes generous vacation and sick leave; paid sabbatical leave; summer hours; 77% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage; short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) with an employer match.

HOW TO APPLY

• Please submit a cover letter, resume and complete the online application by going to this link -

https://nscphila.org/about-us/careers.

Commitment to Inclusion Statement:

NSC is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non-discrimination in all employment practices and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nor any other basis protected under applicable law.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The benefits package includes generous vacation and sick leave; paid sabbatical leave; summer hours; 77% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage; short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) with an employer match.

Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, Dari, Pashto, Swahili or French.