Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS) is looking for Hamilton County Benefits/SSA Specialist for our Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic in Cincinnati.

We are looking for BSW or Psychology or Sociology or Criminal Justice or related Human Services degree graduates or candidates with a HS Diploma and 3+ Years of related Mental Health experience.  GCBHS offers great career advancement opportunities and a rich benefits package including Tuition Assistance ($1,500 per semester for a MSW or MA in Counseling).  We also provide practicum supervision, license supervision, and continuing education credits.

This is a direct service position responsible to assist individuals in Hamilton County who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness that have a serious and persistent mental illness, medical impairment and/or co-occurring substance use disorder apply, for Social Security Benefits through an expedited process.

Responsibilities for Benefits Specialist:

• Work with referral sources and community partners to identify applicants through case conferences, outreach and referrals.
• Complete clinically appropriate interviews with individuals and collateral persons/agencies to complete SSI/SSDI applications, including a detailed Medical Summary Report.
• Create and maintain relationships with local medical and mental health providers to assist with gathering of medical records.
• Coordinate with the local Social Security SOAR liaison to ensure complete and timely applications.
• Maintain complete and accurate records and timely data tracking through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), SAMHSA’s Online Application Tracking (OAT) system and paper files.
• Ensure program specific paperwork is accurately and thoroughly completed.
• Conduct outreach and educational training to staff regarding SOAR.
• Liaison with community partners to assist with clients obtaining and retaining SSA/JFS benefits.
• Assist GCB JFS benefit specialist as needed.

• BA in Psychology, Social Work, or a related Human Services field or a minimum high school diploma plus 3 years experience in mental health.
• Communication skills, computer skills, organizational skills, ability to analyze data/records and create written summary of the information, meet deadlines.
• Patience, open-minded and ability to empathize with others while maintaining boundaries.
• Knowledge of mental health population, familiar with JFS and SSA benefits.