Heritage has a full time working leader within our representative payee services. The position and department will work with individuals serviced that Heritage has been assigned to be protective representative payee. The primary target population served will be individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, serious mental illness or co-occurring disorder. This position is designed to manage benefit payments for beneficiaries incapable of handling their Social Security (SSA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. This role involves providing eviction prevention and financial assistance to individuals with disabilities through rent/bill payment, budgeting, financial assessment, credit repair, and money management training. This position will work collaboratively with support staff, program supervisors and primary case managers to provide the support needed.

Responsibilities Include;

• Individual and team supervision
• Provides supports directly with individuals served as well as providing liaison and advocacy services between individuals served and case managers, family members, treatment providers, landlords, utility companies, other vendors and the Social Security Administration
• Creatively problem solve with individuals served to create a livable budget and pay monthly expenses to maintain shelter and meet their basic needs
• Complete representative payee applications, change of address forms and any ongoing documentation to assist individuals served in maintain their benefits.
• Facilitating and assisting individuals served with interviews with Social Security Office.
• Manage Representative Payee Caseload and monitor status of budgets.
• Perform duties related to the administration and upkeep of program records
• Accurately complete accounting tasks related to receiving and disbursement of funds in the representative payee program including but not limited to:
  1. payment of bills and monthly installments/rent for program participants
  2. review and posting to program participant's accounts on a regular basis; monitors participant's accounts for maintenance at an acceptable level
• Develops, implements and maintains financial systems for payeeship clients including, but not limited to, money management and financial wellness
• Oversees review and posting to program participant's accounts on a regular basis; monitors participant's accounts for maintenance at an acceptable level
• Advocate for the rights of the participant and work with other service providers to further the interest of the participant
• Develop professional relationships and coordinate clear communication with service providers and the Social Security Administration
• Compile information necessary for the completion of required reports
• Completion of all documentation and tracking in a timely manner
• Provide other duties as assigned, required or specifically negotiated with supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and analytical.
• Robust computer skills, including Social Security financial software and databases.
• Ability to handle frustrated and demanding individuals in a calm, appropriate and professional manner
• Strong ability to: work independently; be accountable for work scheduling and deadlines, and; maintain confidentiality.
• Experience or understanding of Social Security Income and resources regulations
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability with changes to program needs and schedule as the need arises.
• Interactions with individuals and fellow staff members are supportive and respectful

Education and Experience:

The ideal candidate will have experience working with individuals in behavioral health settings and/or experience working agencies that manage benefits and/or entitlements. A minimum of two years' experience working in accounting with managing finances, including budgeting, bill payment, record-keeping, and financial planning. Familiarity with Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other government benefits programs is preferred.

Credential eligible for this position includes: Mental Health Professional (MHP) as defined as 5 years' experience in behavioral health, Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), a Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social work, human services or related field. Non MHP candidate will be considered with extensive experience listed above.

Heritage also offers the following with this position:

• Generous vacation, sick and personal leave
• Every other Friday off paid - 26 WELLNESS DAYS per year
• Paid holidays
• Health Club/Fitness Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education opportunities
• Tuition assistance program
• Agency provided life insurance and short-term disability policies
• Retirement plan (403(b))
• Optional insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and additional life insurance (health insurance benefit includes substantial agency contribution towards the cost)
• Direct deposit of payroll check