Benefit and Employment Specialist – PSH Program
The Employment and Benefits Specialist will provide employment assistance, benefits navigation, and financial literacy support to participants in the scattered-site Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program throughout South County. The position will be based out of New Beginnings’ Santa Barbara office and will work with participants in their homes, in the community, and at other appropriate locations.
The Employment and Benefits Specialist will help participants increase and maintain their income to support long-term housing stability. Responsibilities include assisting participants with employment readiness and job searches, connecting them with education and training opportunities, and helping eligible participants apply for and maintain public benefits, including SSI/SSDI. The position will work collaboratively with PSH Case Managers, housing providers, community organizations, and employment and benefits resources throughout Santa Barbara County.
Position Duties
- Assist participants with identifying employment opportunities and obtaining and maintaining employment.
- Assess participants’ employment readiness, identify barriers to employment, and provide guidance and support throughout the job search process.
- Work with participants to develop individualized, strengths-based goals focused on increasing income, improving financial stability, and supporting long-term housing retention.
- Refer participants to appropriate employment services, job readiness workshops, pre-employment training, education, and vocational programs.
- Assist eligible participants with SSI/SSDI applications, including utilizing the SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) model when appropriate.
- Assist participants with benefits enrollment and access, including SSI/SSDI, VA benefits, service-connected disability benefits, and reinstatement of benefits when applicable.
- Connect participants with healthcare coverage, benefits advocacy, and other resources that support their financial and personal stability.
- Provide financial literacy support, including budgeting, money management, savings, and planning for household expenses.
- Facilitate financial literacy and money management workshops or classes for participants.
- Coordinate with PSH Case Managers and community service providers to support participants in accessing employment, benefits, and financial resources.
- Maintain accurate and timely participant records, required documentation, progress notes, and HMIS data in accordance with program requirements and confidentiality standards.
- Monitor participant progress toward employment and benefits goals and provide follow-up assistance as needed.
- Participate in department meetings, case conferences, and other program meetings as required.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Expected Competencies and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Management, Human Resources, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Minimum of two years of experience in employment services, benefits assistance, social services, or a related field.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income populations, veterans, people with disabilities, or other vulnerable populations preferred.
- Understanding of mental health issues and the barriers that may affect employment, income, and financial stability.
- Familiarity with SSI/SSDI, public benefits programs, employment resources, and benefits enrollment preferred.
- Knowledge of client intake, assessments, goal development, and referral processes.
- Ability to work independently in the field while maintaining communication and coordination with supervisors, case managers, and community partners.
- Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and use electronic databases and program-specific software, including HMIS.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and protect confidential participant information in accordance with applicable privacy laws and agency policies.
- Commitment to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in increasing income, accessing resources, and achieving greater financial stability.
Additional Information
This position is based out of New Beginnings’ Santa Barbara office and serves participants throughout South County. Work hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., although occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to attend community events, participate in meetings, or meet program needs.
Because participants may be housed at multiple locations throughout the community, this position requires regular travel between the Santa Barbara office, participant homes, community agencies, employment and benefits service providers, and other locations as needed.
This position requires a valid California driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, current vehicle registration, and required liability insurance. The selected candidate must meet the agency’s driving requirements and satisfactorily pass the required background, DMV, and reference checks.
Compensation: $26.00–$31.00 per hour, depending on experience and credentials. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, non-exempt position. New Beginnings offers medical and dental benefits, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and matching, and generous paid time off.
To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to hr@sbnbcc.org. Candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted to schedule an interview.
New Beginnings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.