Benefits & Financial Literacy Specialist

Job description

About Us Anthos|Home is a nonprofit startup focused on creating a new way home for New Yorkers with housing vouchers. We streamline the apartment search, approval, and move-in process using technology to move people into stable housing faster. We believe every person deserves a place to blossom, and we’re building the tools, systems, and teams to make that possible. Our Culture At Anthos|Home, urgency drives our work because every day in shelter matters. We are focused on helping people move into stable housing as quickly as possible and continuously improving how we get there. We are looking for team members who are highly data-oriented, tech-savvy, and comfortable learning new systems. Strong candidates value accuracy, use data to inform decisions, and actively improve how information is tracked and shared. We value people who are thoughtful, adaptable, and detail-oriented, and who follow through, communicate openly, and take ownership of their work. How effectively we use data and technology directly impacts how quickly people get home. The Role Anthos|Home is seeking an experienced social service professional for the role of Benefits & Financial Literacy Specialist. The Benefits & Financial Literacy Specialist will work on a team reporting to the Aftercare Supervisor. In this role, the Specialist is dedicated to helping Participants secure and maintain the public benefits they are entitled to and build the financial footing that sustains long-term housing stability. This is a specialized, non-clinical role that complements the housing stabilization work of Aftercare Specialists. The role has two connected halves. The first is benefits navigation: screening for eligibility, supporting applications from submission through determination, accompanying Participants to benefits centers and appointments when in-person advocacy makes the difference, and staying with a case until it resolves. The second is financial stability support: working alongside Participants who have fallen behind on rent to build realistic budgets, understand repayment options, and establish the structure that keeps a tenancy intact. A core part of the job is identifying new referral partners across the city, building those relationships, and connecting Participants to them through warm handoffs. This role is hybrid, with regular travel across the five boroughs for appointments, accompaniments, and partner meetings. Key Responsibilities Benefits Access & Maintenance Conduct benefits screenings to identify eligibility across SNAP, Medicaid, Cash Assistance, SSI/SSDI, SCRIE/DRIE, utility assistance programs, and other applicable benefits. Support Participants through the full application process, including gathering and organizing documentation, completing submissions, and troubleshooting online portals such as ACCESS HRA. Accompany Participants to benefits centers, HRA appointments, and fair hearings when in-person support or advocacy is needed. Track pending applications and follow up proactively to resolve delays, missing documentation, and case errors. Support Participants through denials and appeals, including preparation for and attendance at fair hearings. Monitor recertification timelines and support Participants in completing them on time to prevent a loss of benefits. Serve as the Aftercare team's resource on benefits barriers, troubleshooting complex or stalled cases and advising Aftercare Specialists on how to resolve them. Financial Stability & Arrears Support Partner with Participants who have fallen behind on rent to build a clear picture of income, expenses, and obligations, and develop a workable plan forward. Support Participants in understanding and pursuing arrears assistance options, including One Shot Deal applications and other emergency assistance. Provide ongoing budgeting and financial coaching, including saving, banking, credit building, and planning for the expenses that come with a new home. Establish regular check-in structures with Participants working through a repayment plan so that progress is visible, tracked, and supported. Facilitate recurring group workshops on benefits, budgeting, credit, and financial planning. Partnership Development & Referrals Identify, vet, and build relationships with new referral partners across benefits access, financial counseling, legal services, tax preparation, and emergency assistance. Maintain and regularly refresh a working referral inventory for the Aftercare team. Make warm referrals and follow through to confirm that Participants connected and received service. Represent Anthos|Home in coalitions, provider networks, and community partner meetings. Coordination, Documentation & Team Support Coordinate closely with Aftercare Specialists through case conferencing and warm handoffs, and escalate emerging housing risk promptly. Partner with the Aftercare Operations Team on income modifications and recertifications where a benefits change affects a Participant's subsidy. Maintain thorough and accurate progress notes and correspondence in Salesforce while upholding the confidentiality of program participants, staff, and organizational information at all times. Enter benefits and financial data in Salesforce accurately and on time, and own the outcome metrics this role is measured on, including benefits secured, arrears resolved, and referrals connected. Complete tasks and provide support within the Aftercare Team on an ad hoc basis. Other duties as assigned Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and/or 2-3 years of experience in benefits navigation, entitlements advocacy, financial counseling, or related case management. Working knowledge of NYC and New York State benefits systems, including HRA, DSS, and SSA processes, and familiarity with ACCESS HRA. Experience supporting households through arrears, emergency assistance applications, or eviction prevention strategies preferred. Some familiarity with the NYC housing market and voucher system. Experience with community-based outreach and building referral partnerships. Willingness to travel and make multiple visits in the community, including accompanying Participants to agency appointments. Ability to use public transportation and ascend/descend stairs, as some work locations may not have elevator access, or meet the same requirements with reasonable accommodation. Commitment to Anthos|Home's mission and values Required Skills & Attributes Highly adaptable, comfortable working in a fast-moving startup environment where processes are still evolving and flexibility is essential. Tech-savvy and quick to learn new tools and systems; proficiency in Salesforce, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. High-performing and self-directed, with the persistence to stay with a benefits case through repeated follow-up until it resolves. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; skilled at advocacy, negotiation, and de-escalation. Fluency in English and Spanish preferred. Excellent case note writing skills, with the ability to produce timely, clear, and detailed documentation in Salesforce. Trauma-informed approach to working with participants navigating housing transitions, including the ability to discuss money, debt, and arrears without judgment. Strong critical thinking and independent judgment; highly organized with sharp attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy. Genuine passion for the mission, motivated by moving people into stable homes and committed to doing that work with urgency, care, and excellence. Compensation and Benefits Competitive starting salary: $65,000 - $70,000 Hybrid work environment: 2-5 days in office &/or in the field This role requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed. Comprehensive benefits package including: Health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with 4% employer match Generous paid time off Summer Fridays in August Professional development opportunities Current wellness perks: Weekly yoga classes, ClassPass subscription etc. Join Our Team Join a mission-driven team moving at startup speed to create real change in New York City. If you’re excited by building something new, using technology for social good, and contributing ideas that shape how we work, we’d love to meet you. Apply now to join Anthos|Home and help create a new way home. How to Apply Please send your resume and cover letter through our careers site. Anthos|Home is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals have equal opportunities to succeed. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and lived experiences to apply. Lived experiences is defined to include, but is not limited to, homelessness and/or housing instability. We believe that a range of perspectives strengthens our team and enhances our ability to serve communities effectively. Any applicant who requires an accommodation during the application process should contact Anthos|Home to request such an accommodation.