CPS SSI Coordinator HHS VI

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • San Antonio, TX

2d • $3,410 - $5,094 • Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of the position is to interact on behalf of children in the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Protective Services Division with Social Security Administration, Texas Department of Assisted and Rehabilitative Commission, Office of Attorney General and other federal benefit programs by gathering appropriate information and documents, determining the child’s eligibility for benefits, preparing applications and filing claims for benefits, and overseeing disbursements of payments. Interpret policy for staff, perform administrative tasks including training, special projects and reports. Access external systems for information verification. Maintain SSI and children’s income tracking systems.

The position interacts routinely with regional and State Office staff and administration in Child Protective Services, Social Security Administration, Texas Department of Assisted and Rehabilitated Services and legal resources.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with two years of experience in social service work or in an administrative capacity. One year of full-time experience in an administrative capacity may be substituted for 30 semester hours of education, with a maximum substitution of two years. - OR - Three years of full-time experience in social work or in an administrative capacity.
• Previous experience should include work in Child Protective Services or other social services agency, and/or determination of eligibility for social services programs, Medicaid or Social Security benefits.
• Applicant should have experience in working in the Child and Adult Protective System (IMPACT), DHS SAVERR system, Quicken and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Access).
• Knowledge and understanding of federal funding streams.
• Knowledge of agency policy and procedure required to initiate and complete documentation related to SSI, foster care, adoption subsidy, and Medicaid needs and problems.
• Knowledge of and skills using DHS SAVERR, automated Department of Vital Statistics Verification System, IMPACT, Quicken, and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Access).
• Knowledge of generally accepted principles and practices of the Child Protective Services program, especially as it relates to substitute care.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex policy and procedures.
• Ability to screen application, documentation and case records to extract needed information and interpret terms as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of FPS and other agency staff, providers and foster parents in order to resolve eligibility and Medicaid issues pertaining to children in conservatorship.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, establish priorities and perform multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and make independent decisions without close supervision.
• Ability to review court documents and extract necessary information to determine eligibility.
• Skill in identifying, analyzing and resolving problems related to eligibility, federal funding streams, and foster care billing.
• Skills in oral and written communication, clearly and concisely communicating in a style appropriate for the audience.
• Organizational skills.
• Highly proficient in Excel.

Responsibilities

• Identify children in conservatorship who may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI); compare benefit to the child and the agency of receiving SSI funds versus Title IV-E foster care.
• Verify potential eligibility by researching medical, psychological and educational records for the child, gathering pertinent written and verbal information from workers, caregivers, physicians, therapists, school personnel and other professionals regarding the child’s current and past disabilities, levels of functioning and type of care required. Evaluate, assess and synthesize all relevant documentation about the child into a comprehensive application package.
• Perform periodic medical review at request of Social Security Administration, which involves completing new application package and evaluating new documentation. Provide information and documentation for periodic financial eligibility reviews requested by the Social Security Administration.
• Arrange for completion of Texas Department of Assisted and Rehabilitated Services (DARS) disability documentation forms by appropriate persons, as requested by TRC disability examiners. Coordinate child’s attendance at consultative exam if required by DARS disability examiner.
• Determine if a request for reconsideration on denied applications should be filed. Initiate request and prepare witnesses and documents for Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, appeals, and cessation hearings.
• Serve as representative payee for agency children receiving federal benefits. Serve on regional SSI Benefits committee; ensure that lump sum benefit is distributed in accordance with agency policy.
• Process social security card request for Child Protective Services staff.
• Interpret federal benefit policies and provide guidance and training to all levels of FPS and other agency staff. Serve as authorized regional contact with security to complete IMPACT data corrections.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level