Full time, hourly non-exempt. The Employment and Benefit Specialist position is key to ensuring participant’s long-term housing stability. The Employment and Benefit Specialist is responsible for assisting program participants in increasing their income to ensure housing stability. The Employment and Benefit Specialist partners with the housing navigation and retention team by accepting referrals for employment assistance for those clients seeking employment. For those clients who are unable to work, the Employment and Benefit Specialist will assist with obtaining SSI/SSDI benefits. The Employment and Benefit Specialist works in close coordination with case management to connect clients with employment services across the county.

The selected candidate will need to travel between different sites within Santa Barbara County but will be based out of our City of Santa Barbara office. The operational area will include: Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria. The candidate will serve clients primarily in our Safe Parking Shelter and Rapid Rehousing Program and serve as part of a multi-disciplinary team designed to assist clients in areas of specific need.

Responsibilities:
● Assist program participants in obtaining employment
● Assist participants with SSI/SSDI application using SOAR
● Assist clients with benefits enrollment, and Service Connected Disability, restarting disability benefits, SSI/SSDI benefit enrollment, providing healthcare access and resources
● Maintain concise and up-to-date client files; including required documentation and case/progress notes, complete and accurate completion of paperwork and HMIS data entry in a timely manner
● Assist clients with financial literacy, including budgeting, money management and savings
● Facilitate financial literacy and money management classes for participants
● Maintain clients participant caseload, using case management approach focused on increasing income
● Make referrals to in-house and outside services, as appropriate, including legal advocacy, job readiness workshops, and pre-employment training
● Assess participant’ readiness for work and guide them through the process
● Work with participants to develop an individualized strengths-based smart goal plan addressing the needs and barriers identified in the assessment process
● Refer participants to appropriate education, training and employment resources
● Case coordinate with Case Manager and community service providers to support participant success
● Participate in department staff meetings and case conferences
● Perform other related duties as required by supervisor

Qualifications and Requirements for this Position:
● BA/BS in Social Services, Management, Human Resources, Sociology, Psychology or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
● Have an understanding of mental health issues
● Minimum of two years’ experience in related field
● Familiar with client intake and assessments
● Ability to work unsupervised, in the field for part of shift with a commitment to issues related to ending homelessness through employment
● Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and follow through
● Excellent written and oral communication skills
● Strong organizational and time management skills.
● High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
● Ability to multitask and prioritize.
● Excellent administrative skills.
● Strong computer skills and knowledge of database and relevant software programs.
● Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude and appearance at all times
● Proficiency in PC computer systems and Microsoft Office, including the ability to perform word processing, data entry, and other tasks at a computer workstation
● Adhere to laws regarding confidentiality and reporting requirements; maintain knowledge of current HIPAA certification standards
● Willingness to travel: Driver's License: A valid driver's license and an operating insured, registered vehicle is required at the time of applications. A valid California Class C Driver's License is required at the time of appointment. Must meet insurance carrier’s requirements for approval to drive.
● Must satisfactorily pass the company’s background, DMV and reference check.

Additional Information:
Work hours are Monday - Friday, 9-5 although there may be some night time and weekend hours on occasion to attend community events or attend to emergent client and administrative needs. Starting salary is $26.00 - $31.00 per hour with medical and dental benefits provided, 403b contribution and matching, as well as generous paid time off. Position begins asap.

Send resume, cover letter and a list of three professional references to hr@sbnbcc.org. If we feel you are a good match for the position, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ancestry; national origin; religion/creed; sex/sexual orientation; gender; gender identity/expression, transition; political affiliation or beliefs; disability, medical condition, generic information, marital status; military/veteran status; pregnancy and conditions related thereto.; or any other characteristic protected by law (as defined by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act -- Government Code Section 12900-12996), except where such discrimination is based on a bona fide occupational qualification.

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Employment and Benefit Specialist