City of Boston · 5 months ago
Advocacy & Benefits Specialist
Boston, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expThe City of Boston is seeking an Advocacy & Benefits Specialist to provide advocacy services to older adults. The role involves assisting clients with benefits applications, conducting home visits, and collaborating with various agencies to ensure access to necessary resources.
Government
Responsibilities
Provides advocacy services to older adults in a comprehensive and timely manner including: information and referral to services and programs; thorough assessments and benefits screenings; home visits and wellness checks; and/or related duties
Evaluate needs and provide resources, including but not limited to: financial stability, legal issues, mental health issues, health care, etc
Assist clients in navigating complex benefits and healthcare systems. Acts as client advocate in issues related to insurance coverage, financial assistance, and benefit access
As a certified SHINE Counselor, provide full scope assistance related to Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D , Medigap insurance, Medicare HMOs, retiree insurance plans, prescription drug programs, Medicaid, and other programs for people with limited resources
As a SNAP outreach partner, provide full scope assistance related to completing SNAP applications and recertifications
As mandated reporters, collaborate with Protective Services on cases related to abuse, self-neglect, financial exploitation, etc
Responds to emergency crisis situations related to health and safety
Sells and manages assigned taxi coupon booklets and associated cash
Gathers relevant information and processes applications
Effectively communicates information about Elderly Commission programs and services through community outreach, engagement, and presentations
Prepares, maintains, updates, and compiles a variety of operational and statistical data, records, reports, and files. Meets deadlines and reporting expectations
Provides office coverage to include: answering phones, assisting walk-ins, etc
Provides on-call coverage for the Age Strong Commission
Provides timely follow-up to effectuate service into resolution
Conducts all interactions in a positive and professional manner
Performs related work as required
Qualification
Required
Minimum three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the support of human service programs, including case management services and assessment preferred
Ability to give team feedback; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to set and maintain personal and professional boundaries and confidentiality
Strong presentation and advocacy skills
Strong problem solving ability
Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports
Demonstrates proper use of databases and other tools to ensure citizens are provided with all available services
Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job
Travel throughout Boston is required in support of the position's responsibilities
Flexible schedule as some nights and weekends are required
Preferred
A bachelor's degree in social work or a related field is highly preferred
Certification, training, or formal education in counseling and/or case management, substance abuse, and mental health preferred
Alliance of Information and Referral Services (AIRS) Certificate preferred
Serving the Health and Information Needs of Everyone (SHINE) certification highly preferred. Must be able to obtain and/or maintain certification within one (1) year of employment
Familiarity with health insurance and government benefits highly preferred
Experience and comfortability delivering services to a multiracial, multicultural, and multilingual population experiencing complex challenges, including addiction and untreated or under-treated mental health concerns
Ability to build and maintain relationships with government agencies, social service agencies, community organizations, and older adults highly preferred
Experience in typical office software systems (Microsoft Office and Google Suite) preferred
Bilingual (Spanish, Haitian Creole, CaboVerdean Creole, Vietnamese, Cantonese, or Mandarin) preferred
MA Driver's License preferred
Company
City of Boston
City of Boston is a government agency.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.26MKey Investors
Consumer Product Safety Commission
2024-07-02Grant· $0.26M
Leadership Team
Daniel Rothman
Chief Technology Officer
Ashley Groffenberger
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
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2026-01-22
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