Benefits Coordinator

Job Title: Benefits Coordinator (Full-Time)

Posted: October 2026

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in benefits enrollment work to Chandler Jones, HR Manager @ CJones@elderjusticeny.org . No phone calls, please.

Location: Buffalo, NY office (with travel throughout Western New York and the Southern Tier)

Position Type: Union

Rate: starting at $50,000

About the Center for Elder Law and Justice: The Center for Elder Law and Justice (CELJ) is a nonprofit civil legal services organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals throughout Western New York. For more than 45 years, CELJ has helped clients live independently and with dignity through free legal services, advocacy, and integrated social service support.

Position Summary

CELJ is seeking a full-time Benefits Coordinator to support our new Benefits Enrollment Center. The Benefits Coordinator will provide person-centered benefits screenings, application assistance, recertification, and follow-up for Medicare-eligible adults. Core benefits include Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), Medicare Part D Extra Help (LIS), Medicaid, and SNAP.

The Benefits Coordinator will work closely with CELJ attorneys, social service staff, hospitals, Offices for the Aging (OFAs), and Departments of Social Services (DSS), and other community partners, to ensure eligible clients receive timely and accurate benefits enrollment support. This position plays a key role in stabilizing clients’ health and economic security.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Benefits Screening and Enrollment

  • Conduct comprehensive benefits screenings using New York State MyBenefits and MyBenefits Navigator tools

  • Complete and submit applications for:

    • Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)

    • Medicare Part D Extra Help (LIS)

    • Medicaid

    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    • and other benefits based on client goals and eligibility

  • Assist clients with renewals, recertifications, and follow-up documentation

Case Management and Documentation

  • Create and manage cases in Cumulus, including accurate data entry, document uploads, and tracking outcomes

  • Maintain organized, confidential and concurrent client records in compliance with federal, state, program and grant requirements

  • Track application outcomes, timelines, and recertification deadlines

Outreach and Community-Based Work

  • Participate in community outreach events, mobile enrollment clinics, and hospital-based screenings

  • Participate in community-based presentations

  • Work on-site or in partnership with hospitals, OFAs, DSS offices, and community organizations

  • Serve clients across multiple counties, including rural and underserved areas

Collaboration and Coordination

  • Work with public agencies and community partners to resolve benefits issues and application barriers

  • Participate in internal meetings, trainings, and grant-related reporting activities

  • Stay informed on local, state and federal policy changes that impact the target population

 Qualifications

Required

  • Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in social services, public benefits, healthcare navigation, or a related field

  • Experience assisting individuals with public benefits applications (Medicaid, SNAP, MSP, LIS, or similar)

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

  • Ability to work independently and manage a high-volume caseload

  • Ability to travel throughout Western New York and the Southern Tier

  • Commitment to CELJ’s mission and to serving vulnerable populations

Preferred

  • Experience using MyBenefits, MyBenefits Navigator, or similar eligibility systems

  • Experience with Cumulus or other case management systems

  • Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and income-based benefit programs

  • Bilingual or multilingual skills (a plus)

  • Strong public speaking skills

 Work Environment and Expectations

  • Combination of office-based, hospital-based, and community outreach work

  • Regular interaction with clients experiencing health, financial, or legal crises

  • Some evening or weekend outreach events may be required

 CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including:

  • Generous vacation and sick time

  • Extremely generous Holiday time

  • 90%- 100% employer covered health premiums

  • 100% covered dental & vision insurance

  • Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day

  • Payment of license fees and association dues

  • Encouragement of professional development

CELJ is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Employer recruits without regard to sex, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply