ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60025760

About the position

The primary function of an Eligibility Specialist involves determining the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs. The work performed includes processing data from electronic sources and entering information into a computer-based eligibility system under state and federal requirements. Eligibility workers are expected to handle a high volume of work which is deadline driven. Workers must be able to prioritize, plan and project their work, while remaining flexible to frequent changes in the program policy and/or computer-based systems. This demanding and challenging career could be your opportunity to help those in need make a better life for themselves and their families.

Responsibilities

• Interviewing applicants to obtain and verify information needed to determine eligibility for Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance.
• Learning numerous state and federal program regulations, through intensive training prior to full case assignment and then ongoing training thereafter.
• Instructing clients in completion of various forms, and reviewing the applications and forms submitted for completeness and accuracy.
• Determining program eligibility in accordance with current regulations using a computer-based eligibility system.
• Researching information provided by an applicant until satisfactory explanations regarding eligibility status is confirmed.
• Reporting cases where identity theft or fraud is suspected.
• Advising clients of deadlines, time frames, and necessary actions to be taken.
• Working with clients who may not take the necessary actions within the required time frame.
• Establishing and maintaining multiple electronic files and conducting regular reviews and updates.
• Documenting all communications and contacts with clients.
• Managing an electronic caseload that varies based on the community needs, ensuring that accuracy levels are maintained, and cases are processed within the specified time frames set by federal and state regulations.
• Computing and authorizing public assistance benefits based on financial and family status.
• Staying current with changes in rules, laws, procedures, etc. that affect timeliness and accuracy.

Requirements

• Two years or more of customer service, interviewing, recruiting, investigating, accounting, processing insurance policies or determining eligibility.
• Associate degree, or higher from an accredited college or university, OR 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours can substitute for the experience.
• Ability to attend an 8 - 12-week mandatory training course.
• Ability to review images such as pictures or hand written notes to make eligibility determinations based on the information provided.

Nice-to-haves

• Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process as determined by Agency needs at the time of selection.
• Experience in a similar role or environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with bi-weekly pay of $1,354.50 plus a Competitive Area Differential of $36.80 bi-weekly.
• Opportunities for advancement and professional development.
• Eligibility for telework after nine months of employment and meeting performance expectations.