Senior Services & Public Benefits Coordinator (Spanish)

$42,000 - $47,000/Yr

The Hana Center - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

11-50 employees

About the position

HANA Center (HANA) is a Chicago-area, community-based non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the critical needs of Korean, Asian American, and multiethnic immigrant communities while striving for systemic change. The organization operates offices in Chicago and Prospect Heights, Illinois. HANA's Senior Services & Public Benefits program plays a vital role in assisting over 3,250 low-income and limited English-speaking community members each year. This program helps individuals navigate and enroll in essential services such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, LIHEAP, SNAP, and other public benefits. Additionally, it facilitates Alzheimer's prevention services and organizes an annual health fair to promote community health and well-being. The Senior Services & Public Benefits Coordinator is a bilingual position responsible for providing in-language education, navigation, and case management to support low-income, limited English-speaking immigrant community members in accessing a comprehensive range of public benefits and related services. This role requires the employee to work at both HANA's Chicago and Prospect Heights offices, ensuring that community members receive the necessary support and resources to improve their quality of life. The coordinator will engage with clients through various means, including virtual and on-site meetings, to develop personalized service plans and follow up on their progress. The position also involves administrative duties, advocacy, outreach, and maintaining accurate records to meet grant objectives and ensure confidentiality.

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

Requirements

• 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

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance