SHELTER, Inc. rebuilds lives one family at a time, by helping them re-establish a home and assisting with the skills and resources needed to live the life they deserve. Created in 1986, we are a community-based non-profit currently operating in Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, and Marin counties. In 2024 our compassionate teams helped 5,824 people including 1,938 children secure or maintain their housing.

We believe a safe home and the opportunity to thrive are rights—not privileges. Every day, our teams have the honor of walking alongside families and individuals as they rebuild their lives. If you’re looking for more than just a job—and you want to be the spark that ignites lasting change in your community—you’ll find purpose here!

Work Location: Sacramento, CA

Employment Details: Full time, Non-Exempt, Monday-Friday during business hours

Compensation: $27.25-29.25/hour

About the role: We are currently searching for an Eligibility Specialist for our Sacramento team!

What you’ll do:

• Work with Case Managers to engage participants in need of services and identify potential candidates
• Performs interactive interviews to elicit eligibility information, obtain and/or verify financial, employment, tax and personal demographic information and determine eligibility for public assistance programs and services
• Explains regulations, rules, and policies to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for participation in various public assistance programs and services
• Work with a core group of individuals consistently over time in order to create a plan to meet their needs, particularly with those who may not independently seek services
• Proactively initiate non-judgmental conversation and a consistent presence
• Assist individuals applying for disability benefits using the eligibility components;
• Initiate paperwork with consumers by filing initial documentation of representation with SSA office
• Complete interviews with participants to gather information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
• Gather medical records and other information to complete SSI/SSDI applications
• Write Medical Summary Reports for participant applications
• Accompany participants to appointments at the Social Security Administration and maintain communication with Social Security Administration (SSA) and the California State Disability Department regarding cases
• Coordinate visits to medical doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists to obtain evidence for case
• Consult with team members on strategies
• Provide case management assistance and coordinate complex needs of multiple individuals within a larger continuum of care
• Identify other community resources and provide in-depth referrals to housing and medical and mental health services
• Maintain records in EHMIS, including progress notes, incident reports, referrals, and psychosocial assessments in timely manner
• Represent SHELTER, Inc. and the Homeless Programs at trainings, community meetings, and other venues as needed
• Attend any trainings/certifications as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelors degree in human services or related field.
• 2 years of experience working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness who have mentally illness and/or are dually diagnosed
• Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse clinical techniques
• Knowledge of East Bay (Contra Costa and Solano Counties) area social service resources
• Superior interpersonal, oral communication, writing, and computer skills;
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet frequent deadlines;
• Ability to build rapport with a diverse population, developing trust and conducting interviews in non-traditional settings and unstructured environments
• Ability to cultivate partnerships and positive relationships with other providers and community stakeholders;
• Must drive personal car on behalf of agency business and have a DMV record that permits driver to be insured under SHELTER, Inc.s automobile coverage.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five years experience working as an Eligibility Specialist
• Masters Degree with emphasis in social services, psychology or related fields
• Familiarity with federal and state public benefits programs and/or SOAR
• SOAR Certification

Key Proficiencies you'll need:

• Knowledge of social service resource systems (SSI, SDI, Medi-Cal, etc.).
• Knowledge and skills in handling substance abuse and mental health issues.
• Knowledge of public benefits and financial resources available in the Fairfield community.
• Ability to successfully develop relationships utilizing motivational interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of family budgeting and money management.
• Thoroughness and accuracy with data collection, entry and quality control in a web based database.
• Patience/tolerance and tact/diplomacy.
• Clear/firm-yet-flexible boundaries, consistent energy level and positive demeanor.
• Professionalism: high level of integrity and strong ethical values show capacity to maintain highest standards of confidentiality with all records, including organizational and individual information.
• Strong oral/written communication and listening skills.
• Self-motivated and accountable for work time and other agency resources.
• Quality control: demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, monitors own work to ensure quality and applies feedback to improve performance.
• Well organized: able to effectively manage multiple assignments to meet project deadlines.

Position Requirements:

• Access to reliable personal transportation required, including a DMV record that permits driver to be insured under SHELTER, Inc.’s automobile coverage.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check
• Must provide TB test clearance

What we offer:

• 18 days of Paid Time Off
• 15 paid holidays, including your birthday!
• 100% paid medical insurance (Kaiser, Sutter Health, Anthem Blue Cross), dental, vision for employees, 50% for your dependents.
• 100% paid Group Term Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Long-term disability insurance
• Up to $3,000 Tuition Reimbursement a year
• 403b with SHELTER Inc., matching contribution
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discount Marketplace
• Internal growth opportunities

We value diversity

SHELTER, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. We believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and lead to better outcomes for the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

Notice: This description is a guide only. Upon hire, you will receive a formal job description.