Who we Are
The Benefits Assistance Clients’ Urban Project (BACUP) is a consumer-run mental health wellness program dedicated to promoting recovery, dignity, and self-determination for people living with mental illness. Every service we offer is grounded in respect, compassion, and lived experience, creating a space where healing can begin and grow.
Our Approach
We take a person-centered, recovery-oriented approach to wellness. This means services are tailored to individual needs, guided by clients’ goals, and delivered with empathy and empowerment at the forefront.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals on their recovery journey by providing compassionate peer support, practical resources, and advocacy. We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive space where people feel heard, valued, and supported as they build meaningful, self-directed lives.
Our Services
Social Security Benefits Assistance
We provide guidance and support for individuals applying for or maintaining Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Our team helps with understanding eligibility requirements, completing applications, gathering documentation, navigating appeals and representation at hearings. We work to ensure individuals have the information and advocacy they need to access critical financial benefits.
Medi-CAL Recertification & HR1 Law Updates
We assist individuals who require medical certification for disability-related benefits and services. This includes helping coordinate necessary documentation from healthcare providers to verify qualifying medical conditions.
With recent changes under HR1 law, medical certification requirements and eligibility processes may be updated or more strictly reviewed. Our team stays informed about these changes to help individuals understand how new regulations may impact their benefits. We provide guidance on documentation standards, timelines, and compliance to reduce delays or disruptions in services. Our goal is to ensure individuals remain informed, prepared, and supported throughout policy changes that affect their care or financial stability.
Peer Support & Peer-Led Groups
We offer a safe, welcoming space where individuals can connect with others who have lived experience. Participants can engage in creative arts activities, skill-building workshops, and peer-led support groups. Our peer-run groups foster connection, reduce isolation, and promote hope through shared understanding and mutual support
Positions for Hire
BACUP is currently looking to fill the following positions. Interested candidates can inquire for more information at [email protected]
Title: Benefits Assistant/Certified Peer Support Specialist
FLSA: Non-Exempt/Part-Time
Pay Scale: $24.00 – $26.50/hourly
Description: the Benefits Assistant will assist in the development, coordination, and administration of client benefits including, but not limited to, SSI, IHSS and Medi-CAL. Additionally, the Benefits Assistant will assist in documentation filing, tracking and reporting on case status.
Position: Benefits Specialist/Certified Peer Support Specialist
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $27.50-$30.50 / Hour
Revised: 07/01/2025
Description: the Senior Benefit Specialist is responsible for assisting clients with SSI/SSDI benefits based on their disability. The Benefits Specialist must be focused on benefit issues through regular meetings with clients and with intensive follow-up in all areas pertaining to the quality of life for those he/she represents. The Benefits Specialist must maintain accurate and neat folders and files that would pass an Auditor’s review. The Benefit Specialist must always act in a professional manner as a Peer Specialist and adhere to all regulations, laws and standards set by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and those set by SSG and BACUP. The Benefit Specialist will be responsible for assisting the Director in the development of the BACUP Benefits Department. The Benefit Specialist will assist in all BACUP activities including but not limited to facilitating groups, dealing with benefit issues and other issues of concern to those in recovery from mental illness, including co-occurring and dual diagnoses. The Benefits Specialist will organize and conduct bi-monthly case review with benefits team. Sr. Benefits Specialist will conduct outreach groups for the community housing sites and utilize benefits team to bring benefits assistance to the community. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
Position: Lead Art Instructor/Certified Peer Support Specialist
FLSA: Part-Time/ Non-Exempt
Pay Scale: $33.00 $37.00/hourly
Description: the Lead Art Instructor/Certified Peer Support Specialist will work with individuals in the area of art and creativity to enhance individual potential through self -discovery at SSG BACUP’s Art Corner. The Lead Art Instructor/ Certified Peer Support Specialist is responsible for the instruction of art to clients of the art program for BACUP. The Lead Art Instructor/ Certified Peer Support Specialist will assist in all SSG BACUP activities including but not limited to teaching art and facilitating peer groups focused on art of various types to those recovering from mental illness and others, including those with co-occurring disorders and dual diagnoses.
Job description: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:70951be4-50fc-4ccd-9fd0-6b797cecb7a8
