ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I

Mesa County, CO•Peoria, IL

3d•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Performs initial intake and ongoing eligibility determination for Food Assistance, Medical Programs, and related programs administered through the Department of Human Services or the Department of Health Care Policy and Finance. Applies and interprets program rules and regulations, uses the prescribed eligibility computer systems, and completes calculations and accounting functions necessary to establish eligibility and resolve client situations. The position helps clients access assistance, including through referrals to community resources. The role involves conducting interviews and assessments by phone, in person, or during home visits; gathering and verifying household and financial information; deciding eligibility; and approving or denying applications. It also includes managing case files and workload, processing changes and benefit adjustments, explaining client rights and responsibilities, responding to inquiries and complaints, and representing the county in dispute resolution conferences, appeals, or court proceedings. The position has heavy public contact, including walk-in and lobby interviews, and may involve exposure to offensive language or behavior. Mandatory overtime may be required based on workload, including evenings and weekends. Work is generally performed in a standard office environment. The listed pay range is $22.29–$25.07. Mesa County benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement, paid sick and vacation leave, life insurance, and long-term disability.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Two years of office or public service experience.
Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.
Clear and effective oral and written communication.
Ability to understand and demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of the eligibility position, including client meetings, interviews, application and redetermination processing, calls, mail, and correspondence.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial and ongoing eligibility interviews and assessments by phone, face-to-face, or during home visits, and gather information such as income and financial resources.
Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for Food Assistance and Medical Programs, including Expedited Food Assistance.
Approve or deny applications, close cases as necessary, notify clients of decisions in writing, and transfer cases to appropriate eligibility staff or caseloads.
Help clients complete forms and obtain documentation; assess their needs and refer them to agency, community, nonprofit, and other service providers.
Screen applications, research assistance status and history using computerized systems, establish case files, and categorize household composition.
Enter and verify information in complex data systems, process change forms, and check benefit calculations for accuracy.
Manage workload and paper flow, process case changes, and file case documents accurately and promptly in the electronic case file.
Complete paperwork for benefit restorations, retroactive payments, and supplements; calculate recoveries and restorations related to overpayments or underpayments; notify fraud investigators when information suggests possible fraud.
Explain program rules, regulations, rights, and responsibilities to applicants and recipients; research and resolve information on required program reports.
Process program sanctions, determine the level and type of sanction, and notify affected clients.
Prepare for and attend dispute resolution conferences, appeals hearings, or court cases to represent the county and testify to case facts; maintain clear and detailed documentation.
Respond to program and service inquiries, handle client complaints, and provide information about program guidelines.
Provide heavy public contact through client interviews and front-window coverage, including walk-in meetings, lobby interviews, calls, mail, and correspondence.
Communicate responsively with internal teams, community organizations, providers, and State Staff; participate in meetings and support coworkers as needed.
Attend assigned training and represent the department at meetings in accordance with department values.
Perform other related duties as assigned.