ELIGIBILITY TECHNICIAN I

State of careers Rhode Island•Providence, RI

14h

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To perform eligibility determinations, both initial and continuing, for individuals applying for or receiving assistance payments for health and human service programs; to assist applicants/recipients in knowing their rights and responsibilities, completing applications and securing supporting evidence to ensure that complete and accurate information is obtained; to communicate basic program, process, eligibility requirements and status to customers and advocates; to process applications from receipt to benefit issuance or denial in at least one program; and to do related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of a superior from whom assignments are received; work is reviewed in process and upon completion for conformance to established standards, rules and general policies. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: To perform eligibility determinations, both initial and continuing, for individuals applying for or receiving assistance payments for health and human service programs; to assist applicants/recipients in knowing their rights and responsibilities, completing applications and securing supporting evidence to ensure that complete and accurate information is obtained; to communicate basic program, process, eligibility requirements and status to customers and advocates; to process applications from receipt to benefit issuance or denial in at least one program. To perform basic financial eligibility determinations of a non-complex nature not involving trusts, promissory notes, resource reductions, assessing transfer penalties and Community Spousal Resource Allocations (CSRA). To complete required forms, secure accompanying documentation, and perform scanning, indexing, registration, data collection using a task-management system. To refer applicants/recipients who express a need for case management-oriented functions to social service personnel. To provide information about laws, rules, regulations and policies/procedures to applicants/recipients and other interested parties to ensure an understanding of available program benefits. To prepare reoccurring and special reports, including basic statistical breakdowns. To compose and send routine correspondence and requests for information to applicants/recipients. To utilize a computer and related equipment in the use and operation of an automated system for case processing. To follow and adhere to standard unit procedures and protocols in the performance of assigned duties. To review and monitor assigned cases by contacting clients, other agencies, and employers, and to review relevant records to ensure continuing eligibility for benefits. To provide welcoming and courteous service to customers seeking assistance in person, remotely or by scheduled appointment. To represent and explain departmental policy and actions at an agency fair hearing. To report suspected cases of abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities. As directed by a superior, to conduct phone interviews and gather information related to eligibility for human service programs including but not limited to SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program). To work as part of non-lobby team for training and onboarding purposes. As assigned, to perform lobby-based assignments, and to meet with and provide guidance to clients/customers. To do related work as required.

Requirements

The ability to read, understand, interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulations concerning initial and continuing eligibility requirements for state and federal health and human service programs
The ability to conduct mutually-informative interviews using standard interviewing techniques and human relations skills
The ability to collect necessary information by conducting telephone and in-person interviews
The ability to process health and human service program applications from start to issuance or denial in an accurate and timely manner
The ability to retain objectivity while dealing with clients and to exercise to sound judgement in analyses of applicant assistance situations
Working knowledge of Windows Operating Systems, usage of a personal computer (PC) and standard desktop office tools
Capacity to navigate a computer while on the telephone and while providing in-person assistance
The ability to provide clear and accurate information to clients/recipients, agencies, employers and other interested parties
The ability to interact with applicants/recipients, the public and co-workers in a professional, tactful and courteous manner
The ability to recognize an applicant/recipient's need for service oriented functions
The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both verbal and written communications
The ability to follow verbal and written instructions and to review and complete eligibility-related forms and applications
The ability to prepare and submit special and reoccurring reports, including simple statistical breakdowns
The ability to identify and recognize specific information from a mass of data
The ability to efficiently and effectively navigate an integrated automated database used for case processing and tracking
related capacities and abilities
Successful completion of two years of college with a concentration in social services or human services or related field
Employment in a social services or human services position which required the utilization of decision-making skills based on a review and evaluation of information gained through interviews and/or completed records as well as the application of such knowledge in a variety of practical situations, utilization of customer service skills, and proficiency of basic computer skills to be effective in utilizing the integrated benefit system
Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience

Nice To Haves

Experience in Excel a plus

Responsibilities

To perform eligibility determinations, both initial and continuing, for individuals applying for or receiving assistance payments for health and human service programs
To assist applicants/recipients in knowing their rights and responsibilities, completing applications and securing supporting evidence to ensure that complete and accurate information is obtained
To communicate basic program, process, eligibility requirements and status to customers and advocates
To process applications from receipt to benefit issuance or denial in at least one program
To perform basic financial eligibility determinations of a non-complex nature not involving trusts, promissory notes, resource reductions, assessing transfer penalties and Community Spousal Resource Allocations (CSRA)
To complete required forms, secure accompanying documentation, and perform scanning, indexing, registration, data collection using a task-management system
To refer applicants/recipients who express a need for case management-oriented functions to social service personnel
To provide information about laws, rules, regulations and policies/procedures to applicants/recipients and other interested parties to ensure an understanding of available program benefits
To prepare reoccurring and special reports, including basic statistical breakdowns
To compose and send routine correspondence and requests for information to applicants/recipients
To utilize a computer and related equipment in the use and operation of an automated system for case processing
To follow and adhere to standard unit procedures and protocols in the performance of assigned duties
To review and monitor assigned cases by contacting clients, other agencies, and employers, and to review relevant records to ensure continuing eligibility for benefits
To provide welcoming and courteous service to customers seeking assistance in person, remotely or by scheduled appointment
To represent and explain departmental policy and actions at an agency fair hearing
To report suspected cases of abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities
As directed by a superior, to conduct phone interviews and gather information related to eligibility for human service programs including but not limited to SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program)
To work as part of non-lobby team for training and onboarding purposes
As assigned, to perform lobby-based assignments, and to meet with and provide guidance to clients/customers
To do related work as required

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees.
Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit.
Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system.
At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume