Mission
Our mission is to contribute to the overall wellness and development of society, and to provide quality social and educational services to families in our community.
Vision
The Reggio Emilia Montessori Center (REMC) is a learning community committed to supporting the development of young children. Our early childhood center employs a whole child approach to ensure that each student is engaged and challenged in a safe, stimulating, and supportive environment that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and kindness and respect for others. We are passionate about creating access to quality social services and reducing economic inequality in urban areas.
Our South Bronx Team
We are expanding our work in the South Bronx! We currently work with community members through the Bronx H.Y.P.E Family Enrichment Center. Family Enrichment Centers (FECs) are warm and welcoming community gathering places where any family or individual can come for support, information, and to participate in and/or lead activities (called “offerings”). FECs are based on the premise that community members design and drive the FEC’s activities or offerings. We are excited to further our mission through the implementation of the School-Based Early Support model in South Bronx public schools.
The Division of Prevention Services (DPS) in the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is renaming and redesigning the programs formerly known as ACS Beacon Prevention. Through the redesign, ACS intends to offer families a menu of flexible service options that strive to connect families to community resources through case management, address families’ concrete needs, support parents/caregivers, and avoid unnecessary investigations. The Reggio Emilia Montessori Center will implement this model in public schools located in School Districts 7 and 12.
Benefits Specialist Position Description
The Benefits Specialist is primarily responsible for developing and maintaining a benefits and resource guide, screening families for service eligibility, assessing families for housing insecurity and public benefits, helping families navigate benefits applications, and serving as a mediator and advocate for families as they coordinate with government agencies. The Benefits Specialist will continually follow-up with families and follow-through to connect families with a resource or organization. This position is ideal for someone who is warm, patient and highly organized. The Benefits Specialist will report directly to the Program Director.
Title: Benefits Specialist
Pay: $20-$25/hour
Work Location: 111 Bruckner Blvd., Bronx, NY 10454
Work Hours: Part-Time; 15-18 hours per week; preferably late afternoons and some morning; evening and weekend work may be required
Start Date: July 1st, 2024
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Assist families in navigating government and private sector service systems and benefits;
- Assess all families for housing insecurity using the Homebase Screening Tool;
- Support families’ navigation of public benefits and entitlements, including but not limited to WIC, SNAP, public assistance, child support, health insurance (e.g., Medicaid, CHIP), housing subsidies, and income supports, and other resources available through the Department of Social Services and other government agencies;
- Provide one-on-one support and advocacy to families;
- Build relationships with local organizations and community leaders, and coordinate opportunities to raise awareness of resources and services;
- Represent the School-Based program at community events and venues;
- Interact regularly and frequently with families and community members;
- Listen to, empathize, and connect with families;
- Carry oneself with the highest level of professionalism;
- Create family toolkits, resource guides and social media and website content to inform community members of resources and available benefits;
- Travel to partner schools to attend offerings and events, and engage in resource and information sharing;
- Engage in data tracking and analysis, and compiling written reports for external stakeholders;
- Document screenings and family engagement efforts;
- Maintain flexibility, adaptability and poise at all times;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- BA/BS/BSW;
- One years of relevant work experience;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Excellent time management and organization skills;
- Excellent interpersonal skills;
- The ability to travel within the South Bronx;
- At least three (3) years of experience living and/or working in the Bronx;
- Available to work at least one (1) evening per week to accommodate family schedules when needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- BSW preferred
- Bilingual (Spanish and English);
- At least (2) years of administrative experience at a community based organization or school.
The Reggio Emilia Montessori Center is committed to a diverse workforce, and we seek diversity among applicants for this position. People of color, women, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender people, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
The Reggio Emilia Montessori Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 15 – 18 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Flexible schedule
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
- After school
- Monday to Friday
Education:
Experience:
- public benefits coordination: 1 year (Preferred)
- living/working in the Bronx: 3 years (Preferred)
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- Bronx, NY 10454 (Required)
Work Location: In person