EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Program Director, Public Benefits Access (posted 7/21/2023)

We are pleased to offer the job opportunity of Program Director, Public Benefits Access. This position is responsible for the planning, evaluation, strategy development, and implementation of DuPage Federation’s Public Benefits program. The Public Benefits program equips agencies and institutions to help their constituents connect successfully with public benefits. In addition to the design, development, and implementation of trainings for social services/non-profit providers and local municipalities, the Program Director is responsible for public benefits policy analysis, eligibility training, and technical assistance, and fosters strong relationships and partnerships with state and local government representatives and community partners in order to remain up to date on and advocate for public benefits policies and programs. Primary subject matter pertains to federal, state, and local benefit programs, but other topics are addressed based on provider needs.

While DuPage Federation has office hours from 8:30am until 4:30pm Monday through Friday, the Program Director’s work responsibilities may extend from time to time into the evening and weekend.

DuPage Federation provides a flexible, hybrid work environment, allowing for working from home most days, our Lombard office location is available with workspace, internet/wi-fi access, printing and copying and meeting space. The Program Director will be required to be available to attend job-related activities in the community, centered in DuPage County and at times in the metropolitan area.

 

The Program Director reports to the Executive Director.

Essential Duties Duties & Responsibilities

• Deliver public benefits and related training programs aimed at the needs of human services/nonprofit providers, and develop and implement new training

• Enhance and maintain training content so that it is timely and available for scheduled live training sessions, recorded training sessions, and self-paced training modules available on-line

• Assess the public benefits training needs, resources and capacity of human service providers on a regular and consistent basis, and develop plans to use our resources to prioritize and meet those needs

• Enhance and maintain DuPage Federation’s public benefits access tools, including the desk aid, the immigrant eligibility guide, and the training manual

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify public benefits advocacy needs

• Monitor changes to public benefits policies and programs

• Serve as a subject matter expert in the policies and programs related to public benefits

• Respond to public benefits technical assistance requests

• Serve as organization’s liaison between community-based organizations and government agencies

• Assist with grant applications and reporting as required

• Participate in the development and maintenance of program(s) budget(s)

• Participate in the development of marketing plans

• Other duties and responsibilities as required

 

Essential Qualities and Skills

The idea candidate will demonstrate the following qualities:

• Skill in training or teaching adult learners, especially regarding public benefits eligibility and successful participation in public benefits programs

• Knowledge of the needs of populations that are served through public benefits and the programs available to these populations with special attention to noncitizens

• Ability to successfully communicate regarding complex policies and program rules to a variety of audiences, ranging from experienced policy makers in government to community health workers just beginning their careers

• Ability to work within coalitions and collaborating with diverse stakeholders

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Apps

• Knowledge of learning/presentation platforms (learning management systems, and video conferencing platforms)

• Understanding of advocacy efforts and policy development

• Knowledge of the public benefits landscape in Illinois, especially regarding SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, SSI, RSDI, SSDI, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, child and parent health benefits

 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, public health, public administration, social work or education, or a related field required (Master’s degree preferred)

• Two years' experience teaching or training adult learners required

• One year of recent experience with public benefits eligibility processes, such as determining eligibility, applying for benefits, and assisting others to apply for benefits required

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Additional Information

• Job Type:  Full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt

• Workplace Type: Hybrid includes office (Lombard, IL) and community presence, and remote work where desired and applicable

• Schedule:  Flexible

• Salary range: $65,800 - $87,800

• Benefits available:

  • Generous paid time off (holiday, vacation, sick, etc.)

  • Retirement Plan (up to 3% employer match)

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Life and long-term disability insurance