Benefits Advocate

Description

The Benefits Advocate plays a crucial role in assisting individuals in accessing state and federal benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, Medicaid, Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD), case management services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and other entitlements and supportive programs.

In addition to providing direct assistance, the Benefits Advocate collaborates with the Program Manager to analyze trends and barriers to benefits access. The insights gathered from working directly with consumers help shape MHP’s advocacy and legislative priorities, ensuring systemic improvements for individuals living with mental health conditions.

REPORTS TO: Vice President – Advocacy and Communications

LOCATION: 833 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Assist individuals—including MHP staff, case managers, consumers, families, and the public—with navigating and applying for state and federal benefits.

Provide education, outreach, and guidance to MHP participants and external individuals regarding benefit eligibility, applications, and relevant mental health services.

Support individuals in appealing benefit denials and navigating the reconsideration process.

Act as a subject matter expert on benefit programs, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of county, state, and federal eligibility requirements by reviewing policies, attending training sessions, and analyzing updates from agencies such as the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA).

Advocate for Community Behavioral Health (CBH) members at grievance hearings, ensuring fair treatment in benefits determinations.

Monitor systemic barriers preventing access to benefits and work at a policy level to address these challenges.

Represent MHP at coalition and committee meetings, collaborating with partner organizations to increase access to benefits for individuals with mental health conditions.

Collect and analyze data from individual consumer assistance efforts to inform MHP’s advocacy strategy and systems-level planning.

Manage the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) volunteer stipend program, ensuring program participants receive appropriate support.

Maintain compliance with all MHP policies and procedures, including reporting any activities that may violate laws, regulations, or ethical guidelines.

Perform other duties as assigned to support MHP’s mission of advocacy and recovery.

Requirements

ENTRY LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

Associate degree in human services, public policy, communications, or a related field required, or a Highschool Diploma with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience.

A minimum of 2 years of experience in advocacy, community engagement, or public policy required.

Lived experience with mental health or related advocacy is strongly preferred.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to facilitate workshops and engagement activities with diverse groups.

Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and other tools for documentation and reporting.

Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within Pennsylvania as needed.

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and internet research.

Ability to learn and navigate electronic health records and other relevant software.

Experience generating reports and tracking consumer data for advocacy purposes.

Soft Skills:

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Ability to manage time effectively, problem-solve, and work autonomously.

Excellent customer service, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated ability to analyze systems-level barriers and advocate for solutions.

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.