Benefit Specialist (SSI/SSDI)

Make a Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about helping people access life-changing benefits? Join our team at a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and play a vital role in improving lives. We're looking for a Benefits Specialist who will guide individuals through the SSI/SSDI application process using proven strategies that make success possible.

We are a mission-driven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic located in Decatur, Illinois who is dedicated to improving mental health and substance use care to individuals in a multi-county area. We recognize that all individuals at our organization have an impact on patient care - regardless of the position they hold.

Why join us?

• We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• We are expanding our primary care, mental health and substance use services to individuals in Central Illinois and beyond and are looking for dedicated staff to meet the needs of our clientele.
• Our salaries have been updated and are competitive at both the state and national levels with wonderful benefits.
• Full-time employees receive 56 paid days off during their 1st year of employment (this includes every other Friday off PAID for your wellness needs).
• We have expanded our employee insurance benefit offerings and made them more affordable.

At Heritage, we believe in taking care of our staff's needs so that they can concentrate on taking care of the needs of the individuals we serve. Our staff are our greatest asset, and we treat them as such!

We are pleased to present the following position for your consideration:

Benefits Specialist, SSI/SSDI

Position Summary

The Benefits Specialist plays a critical role in supporting individuals receiving services at our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) to access essential financial benefits. This position focuses on assisting clients in applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), using evidence-based strategies to improve application success rates.

The Benefits Specialist will receive SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) training and apply these techniques to guide individuals through every step of the application process-from initiating the application to receiving a determination from the Social Security Administration.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide individualized assistance to clients applying for SSI/SSDI benefits.
• Complete SOAR training and maintain certification.
• Utilize SOAR strategies to prepare comprehensive applications, including medical records and personal documentation.
• Collaborate with clinical teams to gather necessary information and support documentation.
• Track application progress and maintain communication with the Social Security Administration.
• Educate clients about the SSI/SSDI process and respond to questions in a clear, supportive manner.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with all confidentiality and regulatory standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

* Prior experience in benefits coordination, case management, or social services

* Prior experience or knowledge regarding SSI/SSDI eligibility criteria and application processes

* Documentation and confidentiality standards in healthcare settings.

Skills:

* Strong organizational, problem-solving, and follow-up skills.

* Effective communication and ability to explain complex information clearly.

* Proficiency with electronic health records and data entry.

* Ability to build rapport and work collaboratively with clients, staff, and external partners.

Abilities:

* Work independently while managing multiple client cases.

* Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in sensitive situations.

* Navigate complex systems and advocate effectively for client needs.

* Demonstrate empathy, patience, and attention to detail.

Education and/or Licensure Requirements:

* High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in human services, social work, or related field preferred.

* Ability to attend and participate in SOAR training for applying SSI/SSDI

* Experience working with Medicaid, Medicare, or other public assistance programs strongly preferred.

* Familiarity with healthcare or behavioral health settings preferred.

Salary:

* High School Degree or GED: $18.00-$22.00/hour

* Bachelor's Degree (MHP): $23.00-$25.00/hour

Heritage Offers:

* Generous vacation, sick, and personal leave

* Paid holidays

* Health Club/Fitness Reimbursement

* Employee Assistance Program

* Continuing Education Opportunities

* Tuition Assistance Programs

* Agency-provided life insurance and short-term disability

* Retirement plan

* Optional health, dental, vision, and additional life insurance (with substantial agency contribution)