ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60055551

State of Florida • Ocala, FL

40d

About The Position

The Eligibility Specialist I works for the Florida Department of Children and Families in Ocala, Florida, determining whether applicants and recipients qualify for Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance. The work involves interviewing clients, collecting and verifying information, processing electronic data, and entering information into a computer-based eligibility system under state and federal requirements. The position handles a high-volume, deadline-driven electronic caseload and requires prioritizing and organizing work while adapting to frequent changes in program policy and computer systems.

The specialist learns and applies detailed program regulations through an initial mandatory training course and ongoing training. The role includes reviewing client applications and documents for accuracy and completeness, researching information, explaining requirements and deadlines, calculating and authorizing benefits, maintaining electronic case files, documenting communications, and reporting suspected fraud or identity theft. Work may involve face-to-face contact with clients, and incumbents may be expected to work during emergencies or natural disasters.

Candidates must complete a skills assessment covering typing, general aptitude, computer skills, and personality traits. Hired employees may be eligible for telework after at least nine months with the department, completion of training, and meeting or exceeding performance expectations.

Requirements

• At least two years of customer service, interviewing, recruiting, investigating, accounting, insurance policy processing, or eligibility determination experience; alternatively, an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university, or 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours, may substitute for the experience.
• Ability to attend a mandatory 8–12-week training course.
• Successful completion of required skills assessments in typing, general aptitude, computer skills, and employee personality profile.
• Ability to apply laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for government assistance programs and their case administration.
• Ability to review images, including pictures and handwritten notes, to make eligibility determinations.
• Ability to communicate with others to obtain and verify eligibility information.
• Ability to detect and evaluate potential fraud.
• Ability to analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Ability to enter data accurately into a computerized system and navigate computer screens and basic documents and forms.
• Ability to plan and organize a caseload to meet eligibility and timeliness requirements.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply detailed regulations and policy directives.
• Ability to perform mathematical computations accurately and rapidly.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
• Ability to use computers and related software packages and follow written and oral directions.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants to obtain and verify information needed to determine eligibility for Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance.
• Learn and apply state and federal program regulations through initial and ongoing training.
• Instruct clients in completing forms and review applications and forms for completeness and accuracy.
• Determine program eligibility using a computer-based eligibility system and current regulations.
• Research information provided by applicants until satisfactory explanations of eligibility status are confirmed.
• Report cases involving suspected identity theft or fraud.
• Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and required actions.
• Work with clients who do not take required actions within the specified time frame.
• Establish, maintain, review, and update multiple electronic files.
• Document all communications and contacts with clients.
• Manage an electronic caseload, maintaining accuracy and processing cases within state and federal time frames.
• Calculate and authorize benefits based on financial and family status, and review and explain monthly benefit amounts to customers.
• Stay current with changes in rules, laws, procedures, and other requirements affecting timeliness and accuracy.

Benefits

• Competitive employee benefits package.
• Opportunities for advancement and professional development.
• Potential telework eligibility after nine months of department employment, completion of training, and meeting or exceeding performance expectations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree