About this role
Starting Rate: $25 per hour
POSITION SUMMARY
The Rep Payee/Housing Coordinator is responsible for overseeing benefits, entitlements, and personal funds on behalf of individuals served, including Social Security benefits. This role provides person-centered support that promotes each individual's goals, needs, and interests while ensuring services are delivered with quality, continuity, and consistency. The Rep Payee/Housing Coordinator also facilitates access to and ongoing management of programs such as Social Security, housing subsidy/assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, HEAP, Representative Payee services, and other benefit or entitlement resources, with a focus on fostering independence and informed decision-making.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Representative Payee & Financial Management
• Serve as Representative Payee for assigned individuals in accordance with Social Security Administration regulations.
• Manage Social Security, SSI, SSDI, SSP, and other benefit funds on behalf of individuals receiving Representative Payee services.
• Maintain accurate accounting of all income, expenditures, balances, and financial transactions.
• Process bill payments including rent, utilities, medical expenses, personal needs allowances, and other approved expenditures.
• Complete and monitor ABLE account deposits and transfers.
• Manage True Link debit card funding and transactions.
• Ensure individuals have timely access to personal spending funds while maintaining appropriate financial safeguards.
• Prepare and maintain records required for SSA reporting and Agency audits.
• Educate individuals regarding Representative Payee services, monthly fees, budgeting, and financial responsibilities.
• Provide individualized budgeting assistance and financial education to promote independence.
Benefits & Entitlement Coordination
• Assist individuals in applying for, maintaining, and renewing public benefits and entitlements.
• Complete and submit Medicaid applications and annual Medicaid recertification's.
• Complete SNAP/Food Stamp applications and recertification's.
• Complete HEAP applications and annual renewals, as needed.
• Monitor eligibility for SSI, SSDI, SSP, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits.
• Report required changes in income, resources, living arrangements, or household composition to SSA, Medicaid, and other benefit agencies.
• Track benefit renewal deadlines and ensure all applications and recertification's are submitted timely to prevent interruptions in services.
• Maintain accurate benefit documentation and communicate eligibility changes to appropriate staff.
Housing Coordination
• Coordinate all aspects of housing subsidy programs, including OPWDD Individual Supports and Services (ISS) Housing Subsidy funding.
• Complete housing subsidy applications, annual recertification's, participation agreements, budgets, quality assurance documentation, and all required supporting documentation.
• Monitor subsidy eligibility and ensure uninterrupted funding.
• Participate in monthly required meetings with OPWDD housing subsidy representatives.
• Coordinate transition stipends and other housing-related financial supports.
• Assist individuals in securing and maintaining safe, affordable housing.
• Serve as liaison between individuals, landlords, property managers, Care Coordinators, OPWDD, and other community partners.
• Advocate on behalf of individuals regarding housing issues, lease requirements, and housing stability.
• Prepare, renew, distribute, and obtain signatures for annual leases for Agency-managed apartments.
• Conduct apartment inspections, as needed to make sure the apartment meets safety standards for the housing subsidy
• Coordinate rental payments and ensure timely payment of housing-related expenses.
Care Coordination & Collaboration
• Collaborate with Care Coordinators, Finance Department staff, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Community Habilitation staff, and other interdisciplinary team members.
• Communicate benefit, housing, and financial updates to appropriate staff.
• Assess individual needs and recommend additional financial, housing, or community resources.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies and benefit providers.
• Participate in person-centered planning meetings as requested.
Intake & Enrollment
• Participate in intake meetings for individuals requesting Representative Payee, benefits coordination, or housing services.
• Conduct financial assessments for prospective Representative Payee participants.
• Complete required documentation to establish Agency Representative Payee services with SSA.
• Coordinate establishment of Representative Payee bank accounts, True Link accounts, and financial records.
• Complete required OPWDD CHOICES enrollment and termination documentation.
• Establish and maintain complete financial and benefit records for each individual served.
Compliance & Documentation
• Maintain confidential financial, housing, and benefit records in accordance with Agency policies and applicable regulations.
• Ensure compliance with SSA Representative Payee regulations, OPWDD requirements, Medicaid guidelines, and Agency policies.
• Monitor deadlines for benefit renewals, housing recertification, and required reporting.
• Prepare reports, documentation, and records for audits and regulatory reviews.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper documentation.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The Rep Payee/Housing Coordinator is expected to consistently demonstrate the following core competencies in the delivery and oversight of services:
Accountability & Dependability - Maintains accurate financial records, benefit documentation, and service coordination activities while ensuring individuals receive timely access to funds and supports.
Communication - Communicates effectively with individuals served, families, staff, Care Coordinators, OPWDD representatives, landlords, and community partners to ensure continuity of services.
Planning & Organizing -Coordinates housing subsidies, benefits programs, admissions, documentation, and case management activities while meeting required deadlines.
Leadership - Provides guidance and direction to staff while supporting quality service delivery, operational consistency, and person-centered practices.
Fiscal Accountability- Safeguards individual funds, manages representative payee responsibilities, monitors payments, and ensures accurate financial recordkeeping.
Problem Solving- Identifies barriers to housing, benefits access, and service coordination and develops practical solutions that support individual outcomes.
Enforcing Laws, Rules & Regulations- Ensures compliance with Social Security, Medicaid Waiver requirements, OPWDD regulations, housing subsidy requirements, and agency policies.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of full-time, paid direct service experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• One (1) year of experience providing representative payee services, benefits counseling/management, and/or housing supports.
Minimum Qualifications
• Associate's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of full-time, paid direct service experience working with individuals with disabilities.
Additional Requirements
• Willingness to obtain Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP-C) credentials within one (1) year of employment.
• Valid New York State driver's license in good standing.
• Reliable transportation to fulfill job responsibilities.