Bilingual Spanish Senior Services & Public Benefits (SSPB) Specialist (Part-Time)
Job Description
HANA Center (HANA) is a Chicago-area, community-based non-profit organization working to meet the critical needs of Korean, Asian American, and multiethnic immigrant communities and build power toward systemic change. HANA Center has offices in Chicago and Prospect Heights, Illinois.
HANA’s Senior Services & Public Benefits program assists more than 3,250 low-income and limited English-speaking community members each year to navigate and enroll in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, LIHEAP, SNAP, and other supports and services, also facilitating Alzheimer’s prevention services and HANA’s annual health fair.
HANA’s bilingual Senior Services & Public Benefits Specialist is responsible for providing in-language education, navigation, and case management to support low-income, limited English-speaking immigrant community members to access a full range of public benefits and related services.
Major Responsibilities:
Provide intake, assessment, and navigation to support eligible immigrants and refugees to apply for a full range of public benefits, including Medicaid, All Kids, SNAP, Benefits Access, VTTC applications, and CEDA applications (LIHEAP, PIPP, etc.)
Hold virtual and on-site meetings with community members and their family members to develop client-directed service plans and periodic follow-up appointments to assess progress toward goals
Follow up on pending casework and maintain communication with clients via phone, email, text, or mail regarding missing documentation necessary for submission of application/approval
Perform a variety of administrative duties, including answering phones, taking and delivering messages, processing incoming and outgoing mail, making copies, and e-filing records
Assist community members with interpretation/translation of critical documents
Advocate and mediate with DHS and other agency staff to help community members understand eligibility criteria, problem-solve, and maintain benefits once received
Provide information and facilitate referrals for community members to comprehensive health and other critical supports within and beyond the HANA Center
Participate in all required training and stay informed regarding evolving benefits eligibility guidelines, providing training and technical assistance for other HANA team members as needed
Facilitate outreach to promote public awareness and educate potentially eligible community members about available benefits and public health programs
Actively participate and encourage staff and families to engage in HANA’s organizing campaigns
Ensure accurate and timely data collection and reporting, following guidelines
Keep daily records of client phone calls, accurate and thorough client files, and case notes, enter data into the SSPB data sheet, Salesforce, and use Charity Tracker to ensure we meet our grant objectives.
Safeguard community member confidentiality at all times; maintain secure record-keeping and disclose sensitive information on a need-to-know basis only
Identify and develop community resources to expand public benefits and health programs, including resources for undocumented community members
Participate in organizational staff development and team-building activities
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Commitment to immigrant rights and social, economic, and racial justice
A belief in communities’ ability to support each other, organize, and achieve desired goals together
Experience working on Korean American, Asian American, immigrant community issues, and/or social, economic, and racial justice issues preferred
Minimum 2 years of experience in public health, social services, and/or benefits services preferred
Bachelor's degree in social work or related field preferred
Basic computer proficiency required; experience with Microsoft and Google suites strongly preferred; experience using Salesforce for case management is a plus
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English is required
Excellent time management, organization, and ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision and contribute collaboratively to a team
Solution-oriented mindset; demonstrated ability to take initiative, critically analyze issues, and advance innovative solutions
Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as required
Ability to work remotely if needed, providing services electronically via computer and telephone
A valid driver’s license, car, and car insurance are strongly preferred
Reports To: Senior Services and Public Benefits Team Lead
Compensation: This is a part-time, hourly position for two days (15 hours) per week with a salary range of $20.50 - $23.07 per hour.
Location: This position is located at HANA’s Northwest Center office in Prospect Heights, IL.
Application: Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@hanacenter.org with the subject “SSPB Specialist.”
HANA Center is an equal-opportunity employer.
Women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals are encouraged to apply.