Althea Robinson’s Dedication: Ensuring Clients Receive Vital Benefits at LESC

Althea Robinson stands at the heart of the Benefits Assistance Program at LESC. Her unwavering commitment and adeptness in navigating complex benefits systems have been instrumental in ensuring that clients receive the crucial aid they deserve. As the Entitlement Director, Althea leads a team dedicated to securing essential benefits, which in turn fund a comprehensive network of care included in the programs and services offered by LESC. Offering some perspective, Althea asserted, “We’re not just navigating systems – we’re restoring hope in people’s lives.”

Navigating Challenges for Client Benefit Access

In her role, Althea confronts a wide range of challenges that clients encounter while seeking benefits. The complex nature of insurance and benefit structures pose considerable hurdles, compounded by ever-evolving policies and intricate eligibility criteria. Althea and her team are faced with the task of deciphering these ever-changing requirements to ensure clients receive the assistance they need.

Clients facing mental health issues or lacking proper documentation are particularly vulnerable. The process can be overwhelming, and the trust deficit often complicates matters further. Althea understands the delicate nature of these interactions, working tirelessly to guide clients through the system. After a decade of experience, she maintains, “Building trust is the foundation. The process is as important as the outcome. If they’ve lived on the streets for so long and are now coming to me for help, they typically have a wall up. They’re coming from an experience and a thought process where ‘Everyone who helped me on the street was always looking for something in return.’ We have to overcome that.”

“Often, my biggest challenge is reassuring prospective clients that we have a solution that works,” Althea said. “I explain that all it takes is five minutes of your time to sit here with me. We get insurance, and you get Medicaid, and you go about your business. You get a Metro Card. That means you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to get here.”

Success – Against All Odds

Despite the challenges, Althea’s tenure has been marked by numerous success stories that illuminate the impact of her work. One such compelling story involves a client named Daddy Eugene, who arrived in New York from another state without identification or insurance. Initially resistant to obtaining insurance due to mental health issues, Althea encouraged and supported him.

“He struggled for years. I worked with him persistently, making countless visits,” Althea retold. “Then, two years ago, I said, ‘No work today. Sit down. We’ll do the application, no more discussions.’ He agreed, and we made it happen. Now, he has Medicaid, got medical care, glasses, and transportation, transforming his life.” It took eight years of consistent efforts to finally help Daddy Eugene secure Medicaid, enabling him to access vital healthcare services, including dental and mental health care. Althea’s adeptness in navigating the system and understanding the intricacies of state health programs allowed her to help this client secure insurance – despite lacking ID – enabling him to access essential healthcare services.

Collaborative Efforts and Internal Support

Althea Robinson doesn’t just assist clients; she forges a culture of collaboration within LESC. Her approach involves seamless coordination with various departments to ensure holistic support for clients. Through consistent meetings with unit directors and counselors, she streamlines the identification and resolution of client-centered challenges – fostering an environment of comprehensive care and support.

Encouraging an Ideal Workflow

A crucial aspect of Althea’s strategy involves inspiring internal staff to adhere to an ideal workflow that could streamline benefit application procedures. We must streamline our procedures to better serve our clients’ needs,” Althea explained, reinforcing the need for a workflow that begins with counselors educating clients on their status and the required documents necessary for the benefit application process. Implementing this systematic approach at the intake level could significantly alleviate the burden of missing documentation –expediting the benefit process.

A Commitment to Making a Difference

Althea Robinson’s dedication to her role transcends an administrative position – it reflects LESC’s commitment to ensuring holistic support for clients in need. Her unwavering dedication to securing benefits and enabling access to vital services is representative of the organization’s core values of love, energy, safety, and compassion. In her tireless pursuit of facilitating benefit access, Althea embodies the spirit of compassion and commitment. Her efforts not only secure necessary benefits for clients but also play a pivotal role in sustaining the diverse programs and services offered by LESC.