Bilingual Benefit Enrollment Specialist

The Community Economic Defense Project (CEDP) is a Colorado-based nonprofit focused on building economic and racial equity. The Bilingual Benefit Enrollment Specialist will provide client-centered guidance to assist individuals in navigating public benefit applications, ensuring they receive the necessary support to secure and maintain benefits.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the Denver CEDP Office (as needed), the role involves conducting client intake assessments to determine eligibility for both internal and external services. These services include, but are not limited to, rental assistance (such as Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance and Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance), housing counseling, utility assistance, and eviction prevention
• Provide trauma-informed assessments and individualized benefit planning, helping clients navigate SSI, SSDI, SNAP, and related supports
• Facilitate access for eligible participants in the Digital Equity Grant programs to vital digital tools and educational resources, including but not limited to cell phones and laptops
• Guide clients through the full application process, including documentation gathering, submission, and ongoing follow-up
• Educate clients on eligibility, timelines, and how multiple benefits interact to support overall stability
• Maintain consistent engagement with clients to ensure progress and prevent application drop-off
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to deliver integrated housing, legal, and financial support
• Advocate on behalf of clients with benefit agencies to resolve issues, delays, or denials. In cases where applications are denied, connect clients with our Benefits Attorney for legal assistance
• Document all services and outcomes in HMIS/CRM systems, ensuring compliance and audit readiness
• Track application statuses, deadlines, and recertifications to prevent interruptions in benefits
• Stay current on policy changes and contribute to program improvements, SOPs, and quality assurance efforts
• Ensure equitable, culturally responsive service delivery, including outreach, language access, and support for high-barrier populations

Skills

• A minimum one year of experience in assisting clients in applying for public benefit programs, with a specific focus on SSI, SSDI, SNAP, and tax benefits
• Bilingual (Spanish & English proficiency), required
• Available at least 2 in-person days a week, at the CEDP Denver office, working closely with office support staff to ensure clients receive services where they need them most
• Demonstrated dedication to providing exceptional client service, with a focus on assisting households in need of public benefits
• Proven ability to test and learn from processes and develop new program procedures in a startup environment that requires rapid adaptation to change with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in managing and organizing sensitive documentation, both medical and household-related, to support benefit applications
• Strong technical skills, including the ability to navigate an agile environment
• A flexible work style that allows for rotation between the CEDP office and community clinics with partner organizations, offering accessibility and convenience to clients
• Capacity to make referrals to other agencies and organizations to provide clients with supplementary services that may be required
• Successful candidates for this role will demonstrate a strong commitment to empowering clients, a thorough knowledge of public benefit programs, and the ability to navigate complex application processes, all while fostering a sense of community engagement and support
• Organizational skills and attention to detail to manage a caseload efficiently
• Comfort with ambiguity in a fast-paced, all hands-on-deck environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse personal and professional backgrounds with a focus on social, racial justice, and equity
• A social work background is a plus, expertise in the application and enrollment processes for these programs, including the required documentation and eligibility criteria
• Knowledge and experience handling requests for additional information and communication with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Benefits

• Flexible time off
• Benefits package (including medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k)
• Technology stipend of $720 per year
• $2,000 salary differential per year added to the salary grade

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