Ohio Benefit Bank Counselor
Work Location Training (6 hours total) will be held at Oberlin College in a computer lab. Training dates have yet to be set, but hopefully they will be in both 6 hour and 3 hour sessions for maximum flexibility around busy schedules.
Purpose of the Position Using the question-based software online at www.obb.ohio.gov, you will be trained to guide people through the application process for important federal benefits like SNAP (food stamps), Cash Assistance, WIC, Healthy Families and Healthy Start. There is also a special training for taxes during tax season and (you may choose to only train for tax season).
Benefit Bank Counselors help applicants de-code the application explain how the Job and Family Services system works, and gather paperwork for any interviews that are required to complete the application process.
If there are no applications to be filled out, the Benefit Bank Counselor will do whatever tasks need doing at Oberlin Community Services.
Responsibilities and Duties Ohio Benefit Bank Counselors are expected to complete any required trainings, show up on time to their appointments with applicants, be courteous and respectful of the applicants, and keep applicant information confidential.
Benefit Bank Counselors are NOT expected to do outreach to applicants, give legal advice, or follow-up on applicants once the application is completed.
Qualifications - Comfortable using the internet and an internet browser
- Have time to devote training and Oberlin Community Services once trained (see Commitment Expected)
- Willingness to meet, talk, and listen to new people
- Passion for ending poverty
After the initial 6-hour training, Benefit Bank Counselors are expected to volunteer at least a few hours every two weeks at Oberlin Community Services to stay connected. If you are only interested in training for taxes, your commitment will only be during February, March, and April.
Training Ohio Benefit Bank Counselors will be trained on how to use the Benefit Bank software and given a basic knowledge of the public benefits the Ohio Benefit Bank has applications for. The training also includes simulations on how to guide applicants through the software. The training takes 6 hours and is required. Training for taxes is done closer to tax season (more information to be announced).
Other To sign up for a training, to ask questions, or learn more details, contact:
Ondrea Keith
okeith@oberlin.edu
Bonner Center for Service and Learning
(Daub House, 145 W. Lorain Street right next to Wilder Hall and Mudd Library)
440-775-8030
