Benefit Eligibility Associate & Specialist (Limited-Term)

El Paso County•El Paso, CO

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

El Paso County Department of Human Services is seeking Benefit Eligibility Associate & Specialists (Limited-Term) to join our team from September 2026 through May 2028. This position involves working with individuals and families to assess eligibility needs and provide resources to amplify their success. The role is part of the Benefits & Eligibility Specialist career progression series. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent education.
Two years of customer service or administrative experience.
Associate's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for the required experience.
Benefit Eligibility Specialist: High school diploma or equivalent education.
Three years of customer service or administrative experience.
Associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
Education substitutions are not cumulative; only the highest qualifying degree will be considered.
One year of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a human services agency.
Must pass conditional post-offer background investigation and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Basic knowledge of public assistance rules, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to enter data in applicable databases timely and accurately.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, other DHS personnel, clients, other agencies and the public.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Ability to effectively plan, schedule, organize and assess situations to make prudent and appropriate decisions.
Ability to provide conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Ability to use standard office equipment including computer, fax machine, copier and telephone.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Responsibilities

Determines initial and/or ongoing eligibility for a variety of benefit programs including but not limited to Health First Colorado [formerly Medicaid], Colorado Child Care Assistance, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program [formerly Food Stamps], Colorado Works, Adult Financial and Long Term Care.
Interviews applicants/clients and assists them in understanding and completing all required eligibility paperwork.
Verifies program and services eligibility factors by retrieving or confirming information from a variety of sources.
Performs eligibility computations based upon client-provided and collateral information; determines applicability of work registration requirements.
Conducts client customer service reviews.
Reviews cases for accuracy and completeness.
Investigates and computes possible issuance errors; creates reports concerning circumstances, establishes claims and restores lost benefits.
Responds to client requests for appeals or administrative hearings, composes rebuttal letters and attends hearings.
Provides clients with information and referrals to community support services, child care assistance and other available resources to help facilitate a comprehensive solution to the client's circumstances.
Answers the Customer Service Line (CSL) and/or consumer inquiries to assist with changes and questions about our services as needed.
Participates in internal committees, training, workshops and seminars.
Assists with unassigned caseloads as needed.
Performs other duties as required.