Residential Financial Specialist

Mental Health Association Of Nassau County - Hempstead, NY

Full-time

Hempstead, NY

Hospitals

About the position

The Residential Financial Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting members enrolled in the Mental Health Association of Nassau County (MHANC) programs, particularly those residing in the Community Living Program (CLP). This position begins with the screening and initial intake process to ensure that the appropriate benefits are activated or applied for upon the consumer's admission. The specialist will maintain ongoing communication with both staff and consumers to ensure that rent payments within the CLP are managed effectively. Acting as a liaison, the Residential Financial Specialist will coordinate with third-party organizations such as the Department of Social Services, Social Security Administration, and Medicaid to facilitate the necessary support for consumers. In addition to managing rent payments, the Residential Financial Specialist will provide guidance to MHANC staff and assist consumers in completing applications for benefits and entitlements. This includes obtaining required documentation and ensuring that applications are completed and approved. The specialist will also assist consumers in navigating the appeal process when necessary, providing direct support during visits to DSS or SSA for application and appeal processes. The role requires the monitoring of consumer Medicaid, including managing spend downs, and utilizing EPaces monthly to confirm that benefits remain active. The Residential Financial Specialist must stay informed about current Social Security and OTDA regulations regarding benefit enrollment and recommend updates to organizational policies as needed. Accurate record-keeping for Social Security and rent payments is essential, including completing annual rent calculations based on consumer income and conducting consumer meetings to explain rental charges. Furthermore, the specialist will monitor CLP rent payments on a weekly and monthly basis, preparing and maintaining monthly rent reports while utilizing reporting tools for consumer rent collection, including sending arrears letters and eviction notices. Scheduling monthly rent collection meetings with CLP program staff and directors is also a key responsibility, as is meeting with consumers who are delinquent in rent payments to develop and follow up on payment plans. The Residential Financial Specialist will conduct outreach to maintain a database of resources available to assist consumers in arrears and will provide referrals as necessary. This position may also involve accepting and following through on other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with members enrolled in MHANC programs, specifically residents of the Community Living Program.
• Ensure proper benefits are active and/or applied for upon admission during screening and initial intake.
• Maintain ongoing contact with staff and consumers to manage rent payments in the Community Living Program (CLP).
• Act as a liaison between consumers and third-party organizations including the Department of Social Services, Social Security Administration, and Medicaid.
• Provide guidance to MHANC staff and assist consumers with completion of applications for benefits and entitlements.
• Obtain required documentation and follow through to ensure applications are completed and approved.
• Assist consumers in completing appeal/fair hearing processes to obtain necessary benefits.
• Monitor consumer Medicaid, including spend downs, and use EPaces monthly to ensure benefits are active.
• Maintain accurate records for Social Security and rent payments, including completing annual rent calculations based on consumer income.
• Prepare and maintain monthly rent reports and monitor reporting tools for consumer rent collection, including arrears letters and eviction notices.
• Schedule monthly rent collection meetings with CLP program staff and Directors to review action plans for resolving rent issues.
• Meet with consumers who are delinquent in rent payments to develop payment plans and follow up to ensure compliance.
• Conduct outreach and maintain a database of resources available to assist consumers in arrears, providing referrals as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Service related field required.
• Three or more years of experience in Social Services with specific work experience in entitlements and benefits.
• Experience working with individuals living with mental health/substance abuse diagnoses.
• Demonstrated experience in effective professional communication, organization, and multitasking.
• Ability to handle simultaneous challenging situations and demonstrate flexibility.
• Personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with consumers, personnel, and support agencies.
• Valid driver's license.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook Suite, Internet experience, and basic working knowledge of computer operations including Excel, Word, and Outlook.