Benefits & Housing Navigation Coordinator
SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) older adults. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources for LGBTQ+ older adults and their caregivers, advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ older people and provides cultural competency training for aging providers and LGBTQ+ organizations, largely through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging and its growing social enterprise SAGECare.
Summary:
The Benefits & Housing Navigation Coordinator assists and provides services to SAGE’s clients, participants, and residents, as described below.
Responsibilities:
- Assist clients with information and referrals, comprehensive intake and assessment of needs, benefits eligibility screening, and appropriate follow-up.
- Meet with clients to assess their housing needs and status and identify opportunities for unstably housed individuals and those who need services related to housing.
- Conduct a full benefits eligibility review and benefits assistance/counseling; explain eligibility rules, assist with applications, enrollment and/or recertification, and assist with the appeal process. Benefits and housing support includes but is not limited to: Public Assistance, Section 8 Vouchers, Medicare, Medicare Savings, Medicare RX, Food Stamps/SNAP benefits, Social Security (SSI/SSDI), EPIC, Access-A-Ride applications, SCRIE/DRIE, One Shot Deal.
- Ensure all client data is current, accurate, and documented in a timely manner (within 24 hours).
- Ensure confidentiality and HIPAA compliance is maintained for all clients.
- Conduct home visits to homebound older adults in need of benefits and housing assistance.
- Assist the Benefits & Housing Navigation Manager in identifying landlords, public housing, private housing, rental units, housing developers, and rental management companies that may be suitable for current and future clients.
- Assist clients with completing applications for housing subsidies and programs, advocate on behalf of clients to ensure that they receive the appropriate housing and housing subsidies, help prepare clients for housing interviews, and ensure secure housing outcomes.
- Assist clients in going to social service agency appointments, when necessary.
- Collaborate with Care Managers in the department to support mutual clients.
- Perform other program-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- B.A. in social work or a related field, or sufficient salaried experience in a similar role.
- Experience working with aging populations and the benefits associated with them.
- Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Flexible and dependable – this position requires a seven-hour workday, with an additional one hour for lunch; some occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.
- Ability to work independently as well as be an involved member of multiple teams.
- Adept in fast environment.
- Ability to organize files, schedules, dates and information.
- Self-directed and able to work with light supervision.
- Computer literate, with knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn other pertinent software systems and databases.
- Ability to travel throughout NYC via public transportation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual in Spanish and/or Mandarin/Cantonese.
- Familiarity with LGBTQ+ culture and communities.
- Experience working with veterans and the benefits associated with them.
- Familiarity with issues of cultural and linguistic competency with regards to ability, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, gender identity and expression, and other characteristics that affect the lives of diverse older adults.
Department: Care Management & Resident Services
Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Location: Travel within the NYC metropolitan area as per program requirements.
Schedule: Full-time position, 35 hours/week, Monday to Friday. Occasional schedule adjustments are required based on program needs.
Salary Range: $47,000- $51,000
Reports to: Benefits & Housing Navigation Manager
Benefits: SAGE offers an attractive benefits package.
How to Apply: Please click here to begin the application process. Contact careers@sageusa.org if you have any questions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
SAGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, alienage or national origin, ancestry, age, citizenship status, marital or family status, family medical history or genetic information, veteran status, HIV serostatus, military or military discharge status, height, weight, disability or handicap, domestic violence victim status, employment status, socioeconomic status, criminal history or arrest record, sexual or other reproductive health decisions, natural hair or hairstyle, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. SAGE is dedicated to this policy, with respect to all matters concerning employment.