SSVF Legal Services Benefits Coordinator

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Divisional Headquarters

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: SSVF Legal Services Benefits Coordinator - Region IV (Peoria/Galesburg/Springfield)

LOCATION/DEPT: The Salvation Army Veterans Services/Social Services Dept.

REPORTS to (TITLE): Veteran Services Legal Services Coordinator

FLSA CATEGORY: Exempt

STATUS TYPE: Regular Full Time

Pay Grade: 205

Pay Range: Grant funded, $55k-$60k

OUTCOMES:

NCI SSVF Legal Services Benefits Coordinator aims to provide professional level work counseling low-income Veteran families, regarding Veteran's benefits, available public assistance, claim procedures, beneficiary information and eligibility status for enhanced legal services from legal service providers and foster a deeper understanding of the life-changing work carried out by The Salvation Army North and Central Division.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Case Management (70%)

• Conducts legal assessments on all Veterans enrolled in the SSVF Program - Region III at intake and recertification periods.
• Serves as benefits representative, develops, and presents information to Veteran families to increase awareness of Veteran's benefits and programs.
• Conducts interviews with Veterans and their dependents and reviews background data on current medical and financial history to obtain information needed to determine eligibility.
• Evaluates information to determine potential eligibility of clients for benefits from related programs (e.g., Social Security, welfare, and vocational rehabilitation)
• Coordinates the claim packages for Veteran families seeking disability, education, medical and related benefits.
• Maintains monthly communication with Veterans referred to program (minimum).
• Provides weekly status updates on referrals.
• Conducts outreach activities throughout catchment area.
• Maintains compliance in The Salvation Army's "Safe from Harm" Certification (required).
• Performs other duties, as assigned related to the SSVF Program.

1. Administrative (20%)

• Maintain up-to-date Master List of clients served in the program to include, intake, status, outcome, exit.
• Performs HMIS (SIMS) data entry, reviews data for accuracy, completeness, and comprehensiveness.
• Assists in generation progress reports on outcomes and activities for Staff Meetings
• Completes reports for timely submission as required by the VA.
• Maintains up to data and accurate record of all legal activities.

1. Collaboration (10%)

• Develops partnerships with legal aid providers throughout southern Illinois.
• Provides specialized informational and administrative tasks to services staff, collaborators, and community agencies.
• Works closely with SSVF case managers to determine client's eligibility for benefits, permanent housing, and temporary financial assistance.
• Assists SSVF case managers in identifying legal issues impacting housing stability.
• Coordinates and participates in case conferences.
• Attends community meetings and Coordinated Entry By-Name-List reviews.
• Attends community Veteran events such as Stand Down, Veteran Resource Fairs, etc.
• Communicate effectively with VA and The Salvation Army personnel.
• Attend weekly and monthly meetings as scheduled.

OCCASIONAL OVERNIGHT AND WEEKEND TRAVEL

Involves occasional driving to offsite meetings/trainings and conducting occasional in-person meetings with program participants.

• Occasionally work weekends to accommodate event schedules, or other organizational needs. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to meet deadlines and ensure successful event execution.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver's license and auto insurance.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Possesses a minimum of a bachelor's degree in related field. Comparable 1-2 years' experience in claims/benefits processing.
• Advanced degree in social work, counseling or human services is ideal.
• Previous experience with social services and/or homeless programs.
• Experience working with Veterans and families.
• Valid Driver's license/MVR clearance.
• Veteran status preferred.

COMPENTENCIES

• Willing to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Able to work with individuals of diverse legal backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Able to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously in a high-pressure and time sensitive environment.
• Demonstrates ability to use computers and proficiency in Microsoft Office software and HMIS system.
• Must maintain and execute confidential information.
• Knowledge of services, policies, and procedures related to Salvation Army processes.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
• An attention to detail.
• Team player, self-starter, and perform well with minimum supervision.
• An ability to work with confidential material.
• A decision-making approach that uses good judgment.

POSITION LIMITATIONS (What this position must do)

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Legal Services Coordinator informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.
• This individual must receive successful completion of background screening as well as employment eligibility verification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
• Must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 40 lbs.
• The work environment for this position normally includes an office environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• Must be able to travel to multiple sites.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.