Benefits Counselor

**Position**:Benefits Counselor - Queens

**Supervised by**:Senior Benefits Counselor

**Number of employees directly supervised**:None

**Salary**:$50,000

**Office**: 80-02 Kew Gardens Rd, Kew Gardens, NY 11415

**About CIDNY**

The _Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY)_ is a leading organization serving and representing people with all disabilities in New York City. CIDNY's mission is the removal of barriers to full integration of people with disabilities. CIDNY helps people with disabilities to gain the skills and obtain the services they need to live independently in the community and advocates for fair and effective policies that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. CIDNY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The majority of CIDNY’s staff are people with disabilities who are dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

**Basic Function**
- The Benefits Counselor will assist consumers with a comprehensive intake, assessment of needs, benefits screening, information, and referrals, and ensure appropriate follow-up of services. In addition, consumers will have the opportunity to develop an independent living plan that documents their goals, steps to achieve them, services that will support them in seeking their goals, and outcomes. The benefits counselor will assist individuals in knowing their rights and understanding how to self-advocate. The counselor will engage in advocacy together with and on behalf of consumers, including representation in hearings and appeals. This position is currently hybrid but will be based at our Queens office.

**Duties and Responsibilities**
- Conduct comprehensive intake and assessment relevant to consumer needs including a full benefits review: explain eligibility rules, assist with enrollment and/or recertification, and assist with the appeal process.
- Collaborate with consumers to create plans of service and periodically review the plan for adjustments.
- Provide peer counseling services.
- Identify and work directly or indirectly with individuals who need services to avoid institutional placement or to transition from institutions to the community.
- Stay current on benefits and services available to consumers.
- Ensure all client data and service provision details are current and accurate and that they are documented in a timely manner into CIDNY’s and the contracted provider’s databases.
- Comply with all confidentiality and HIPAA requirements.
- Complete all required paperwork for consumer files as per agency policy.
- Assist consumers in development and exercise of self-advocacy skills and independent living skills building through active involvement in the achievement of service goals.
- Act as a liaison and/or advocate with other service or benefits providers for consumers.
- Contribute, as needed, to the organization’s systems-based advocacy programs by communicating observed barriers/successes related to benefits and services available to people with disabilities, participate in selected advocacy activities and/or identify consumers who are representative of certain systems-based advocacy issues.
- Participate in community outreaches, presentations, and workshops, as assigned.
- Attend agency’s in-service training and unit meetings, as well as any other agency-related activities and off-site training.
- Perform other program-related duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**
- BA or BS degree with at least 2 years of experience with benefits counseling, or AA degree with at least 5 years of experience in benefits counseling.
- Multilingual preferred.
- Understanding or experience with disability-related issues.
- Excellent advocacy, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills required.
- In addition, the ability to work well independently as well as part of a team.
- Respectful and comfortable with people from different backgrounds.
- Ability to travel
- **Proof of COVID-19 vaccine and booster is required.**

**How to Apply**

**Other Information**

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance

Weekly day range:

- Monday to Friday

Work setting:

- Hybrid work

**Education**:

- Bachelor's (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kew Gardens, NY 11415