Connections for Independent Living is the nonprofit Independent Living Center serving people with disabilities throughout seven counties in northeastern Colorado. We love what we do! Our work is meaningful, our team culture is strong, and we strive to continually enhance our employee experience by offering disability compassion and support.

The Benefits Enrollment Specialist is a grant-funded position for approximately one year, with potential renewal in subsequent years. This role engages directly with individuals with disabilities in our service region and requires someone who is approachable, community-oriented, and proactive. You will serve as Connections’ primary representative for benefits enrollment. The role will actively build relationships with community partners,  informing them about our services and the changes associated.

The ideal candidate will successfully manage projects and provide training. You will coordinate community meetings, facilitate participation by other staff members, and ensure our team is prepared and informed. You will maintain up-to-date knowledge of core benefit programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), Medicaid, Medicare Savings Program, and Medicare Part-D Extra Help. Directly engaging with current and potential consumers via video conferencing, telephone, or in person, you will gather necessary information and provide guidance and application assistance. Additionally, you will be responsible for training and supporting staff during community outreach events and assisting in reporting program outcomes to grant funders and legislative advocates.

To thrive in this role, you must have exceptional organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines consistently. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as you will need to multitask effectively and adapt your communication style to meet diverse needs. Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. A sense of levity, humor, and warmth is highly valued. Applicants who live with disabilities are always prioritized.

Key Responsibilities

Consumer Services

• Serve as a subject matter expert on public benefits, including advanced case management. Train staff on updates in these benefits.
• Assist beneficiaries in understanding and managing the impact of work on their benefits, handling cases at all complexity levels independently.
• Conduct interviews with potential consumers and complete necessary documentation to determine eligibility and appropriate services.

Community Involvement

• Represent Connections and act as a liaison between the community and other agencies to ensure benefit enrollment coordination and comprehensive services to the consumer.
• Present to the community when appropriate about benefits assistance.

Operations

• Maintain necessary electronic records and consumer files and complete all reports required.
• General assistance with agency operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

 Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Work independently and exercise discretion and independent judgment regarding the delivery of services and advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities.
• Excellent adaptive and evolving technology and software skills, including skills with client databases, Microsoft, Google Workspace, MiCIL, and other software as needed. IBM platform computer and Internet experience required.
• Communicate effectively, internally and externally, orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, co-workers, the public, and service providers.
• Knowledge of the American Disabilities Act regulations is preferred
• Be able to pass a background screening.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel within our service region as well as statewide as necessary. 

We offer exceptional PTO benefits as well as a generous paid holiday schedule and health and retirement benefits. The salary range is $20-22/hour, depending upon experience. The position is term-limited based on the funding from the underlying grant.

To apply: Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. More than 50 percent of our team have a range of disabilities and life experiences, which enhance our ability to advocate. 

Candidates must submit a brief letter of interest and professional resume by email to jobs@connectionscolorado.org with the subject line "Benefits Enrollment Specialist" for consideration.

Qualified candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis. No phone calls unless as a necessary accommodation.

• Location: 1331 8th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80631.
• Compensation: This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week. Hourly pay rate is $20-$22. The benefits package includes PTO, healthcare reimbursement, a retirement match, and a generous holiday schedule.
• Work hours to be arranged during standard Monday through Friday business hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• The successful candidate will live within our seven-county northeastern Colorado service region.
• Connections is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
• Principals only, please. No recruiters.
• No telephone calls.
• Please do not contact Connections regarding other service solicitation, products or commercial interests.