The Benefits and Entitlement Specialist is responsible for developing and maintaining all benefits and entitlements for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities supported by Rising Ground licensed by OPWDD. The Benefits and Entitlements Specialist ensures individuals have access to all eligible benefits and entitlements that assist the person to meet their identified outcomes on their person-centered plan.

Manage all benefits and entitlements applications and recertification’s for: Medicaid/Medicare, SSI/SSDI/SSP/SNAP, work incentives and all other benefits entitled to each individual in the IDD program.
Ensures benefit and entitlements enrollment for new admissions and applies for representative payee-ship.
Maintains continuation of person supported benefits through tracking, verification, and follow up, and manages database of active Individuals.
Ensures receipt of benefits for all individuals, troubleshooting benefit variances and resolving all entitlement issues, including contact and/or visits to local Medicaid offices as necessary.
Completes Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSD, NYS-SSP and HEAP applications for new admissions.
Obtains and review SNAP reports.
Updates master B&E, SNAP, and HEAP trackers
Collect paystubs and submit Monthly Wages Report to SSA (If applicable)
Supports individuals/families and IDD program staff through an understanding of services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Provides benefit and entitlement outreach, advisement, and training.
Opens bank accounts for new admissions into residential program.
Monitors individual personal assets and banking activities to ensure compliance with agency policies and OPWDD regulation, and Medicaid/Social Security Allowances, including individuals with Special Needs Trusts (SNT) and/or those with resources in a community trust, and provides trainings as needed.
Monitors balances of all personal resources and collects current statements (community bank accounts, burial, special needs trust, etc.)
Distributes bank, entitlement, benefit reports or other pertinent information to Residential program management and other interested parties.
Assists IDD department to troubleshoot billing/payment issues and remittances.
Follows up on all correspondence received from various city, state and government agencies.
Stays informed on updated policies in field that may require participation in training and implement changes/additions in a timely manner.
Collects and distributes all benefit related information to/from IDD residential management and maintains filing and organization system accordingly.
Keeps current with changes in field.
Assists IDD Department in preparing for regulatory agency audits.
Work closely with fiscal department in preparing SSI/SSD/SSP/SNAP monthly variance analysis report giving supporting document for any variances reported.
Discharge individuals from program and close all files including all benefits/Medicaid/SNAP and return any benefits received after discharge including conserved funds.
Performs other related duties as requested.

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field (required); master’s degree in social work, psychology or related field (preferred)
1-year experience working with benefits and entitlements for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or related social service experience
Valid New York State Driver’s License that is maintained in good standing.
Skills and Abilities Required
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Sharp attention to detail, Proficient in computer use (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
Good interpersonal skills are necessary to interact effectively with all parties.
Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
Team player and pro-active communicator.
Self-motivator. Ability to analyze and troubleshoot enrollment problems.
Physical Abilities Travel throughout the region required (walk