Job Description:
Position Summary:
The Senior Consultant – Social Security & Foster Care Benefits provides expert-level strategic, regulatory, and programmatic guidance on the administration of Supplemental Security Income and other Social Security benefits for children in foster care. This role serves as a senior subject matter expert on Social Security Administration (SSA) policies, fiduciary responsibilities, and the intersection of public benefits and child welfare systems.
This position ensures that benefits are accessed, managed, utilized, and conserved in full compliance with federal and state requirements. The Senior Consultant also plays a critical role in strengthening internal controls, supporting audit readiness, and promoting ethical, child-centered financial stewardship to safeguard the financial interests of youth in care.
Key Responsibilities:
Legal, Regulatory & Compliance Advisory:
- Interpret and apply the Social Security Act, SSA regulations, and relevant state child welfare laws.
- Provide guidance on Representative Payee responsibilities, fiduciary obligations, and use-of-funds requirements.
- Advise leadership on regulatory changes, compliance risks, and emerging policy issues.
- Support responses to legal, regulatory, or administrative inquiries related to benefits management.
- Guide the design and improvement of processes to identify, secure, and maintain SSA benefits for eligible youth.
- Establish best practices for benefits tracking, documentation, and case management.
- Provide expertise on complex cases, including retroactive benefits, appeals, and overpayments.
- Align benefits management practices with permanency planning and youth transition planning goals.
- Ensure benefits are used in accordance with SSA rules to meet the child’s current and future needs.
- Provide guidance on conservation of funds, including appropriate use of dedicated and interest-bearing accounts.
- Advise on long-term financial strategies, including savings, asset protection, and appropriate trust mechanisms.
- Review financial practices to ensure proper documentation and accountability.
- Prepare the organization for SSA Representative Payee audits and reviews.
- Assess and strengthen internal controls to ensure compliance with SSA accounting and reporting requirements.
- Review financial records and documentation to ensure audit readiness and accuracy.
- Support audit responses, corrective action plans, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to improper payments, fund misuse, or documentation gaps.
- Provide guidance on tax considerations related to Social Security benefits for minors.
- Advise on reporting requirements for conserved funds, interest income, and financial accounts.
- Collaborate with finance and tax professionals to ensure compliance with IRS and fiduciary standards.
- Deliver training and technical assistance to staff on SSA regulations, fiduciary duties, and compliance practices.
- Collaborate with legal, finance, and program teams to ensure coordinated and compliant service delivery.
- Serve as a subject matter expert for complex benefit scenarios and operational challenges.
- Monitor federal and state policy developments impacting foster youth benefits.
- Recommend enhancements to policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Promote equitable and compliant practices that maximize financial resources for children in care.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Public Administration, Social Work, Finance, or related field.
- Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in Social Security benefits, public benefits programs, child welfare, or a related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in SSA programs (SSI, RSDI).
- Experience with Representative Payee requirements, fiduciary responsibilities, and benefits compliance.
- Experience supporting audits, compliance reviews, or financial oversight functions.
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active bar membership in good standing.
- Experience providing legal interpretation and regulatory guidance.
- Advanced experience in Social Security benefits administration, public benefits policy, or financial oversight.
- Demonstrated leadership in compliance, program integrity, or fiduciary management.
- Experience working with audits, regulatory environments, or government benefit programs.
Core Competencies:
- Deep knowledge of SSA regulations, reporting requirements, and audit processes.
- Strong understanding of fiduciary obligations and ethical financial management for vulnerable populations.
- Familiarity with tax implications related to Social Security benefits and conserved funds.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory concepts into actionable guidance.
- High attention to detail and commitment to compliance and accountability.
- Ability to work independently and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
Working Conditions:
- Collaboration with internal teams, government agencies, and external partners.
- Participation in audits, reviews, and compliance-related activities.
Position Impact:
- This role is critical to ensuring that Social Security benefits for children in foster care are managed lawfully, ethically, and effectively. By strengthening compliance, supporting audit readiness, and improving financial stewardship practices, the Senior Consultant helps protect vital resources that contribute to the stability and long-term well-being of youth in care.
