Peer Specialist / Client Escort (49535)

SUMMARY:

Accompany clients to various appointments. Act as client advocate when dealing with various social services agencies. Use knowledge of different social services organizations and benefit programs to obtain services, benefits and/or information for clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES ANDRESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accompany clients to various appointments such as social services providers, medical visits, and public assistance and housing appointments
• Act as advocate for clients in obtaining services, payments, benefits and other entitlements
• Use knowledge base to ask the right questions and to negotiate on behalf of the client
• Prepare any required client documents prior to appointments.
• Ensure required referrals are obtained prior to appointment
• Pick up client benefit statements from HRA office (Public Assistance Office)
• Make transportation arrangements using company van including driving the van when another driver is unavailable
• Administrative Duties: office -filing, answering phones, and sorting client mail
• Other duties related to the Client Escort-Peer Specialist position

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Educational Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.

Experience:

• 2-4 years’ experience within social services setting working with homeless, medically frail, disabled, special needs or any other challenging client population
• Experience working in an environment that required knowledge and understanding of various social services entitlement programs
• Experience with Homelessness preferred

Skill Sets:

• Excellent communication skills needed to effectively deal with various social services agencies and clients
• Excellent client facing skills needed and the ability to stay calm when dealing with difficult clients Ability to develop a rapport with clients
• Ability to effectively deal with state and government agencies that follow very bureaucratic processes
• Ability to multi-task and stay organized
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
• Must have a valid Driver’s License

Other Requirements:

• Ability to use public transportation within all five boroughs of New York City (for appointments with clients and on behalf of the clients)
• Heavy field trips which may require multiple trips within a day
• Assist with client move outs