Income Maintenance CaseWorker I

Cumberland County • 1225 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC

4d

About The Position

This position is located in the Economic Services section and primarily assists customers with applications and eligibility determinations for benefit programs, including Food and Nutrition Services, Work First Family Assistance, Childcare, Energy Assistance, and Medicaid (Adult & Family). The worker supports customers with EPASS and/or paper applications, conducts interviews, verifies information, and determines eligibility according to each program’s timeframes and guidelines. The worker makes final eligibility decisions using prudent judgment and refers appropriate situations to a Lead Worker or Supervisor. The role requires a human-services orientation, professional interaction with supervisors, coworkers, and customers, flexibility, attention to timely and accurate service metrics, and the ability to work in a team. The worker must respond to disasters when required under Cumberland County DSS policy, including during natural or man-made disasters or a declared state of emergency. Other duties may be assigned by the supervisor.

Appointment is contingent on completion of required conditions, including drug testing and a law-enforcement background check. The position requires assisting in emergency and/or disaster situations and adherence to the Cumberland County Department of Social Services dress code. An official transcript, if applicable, must be presented in its original unopened envelope before the employment start date.

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited associate degree program in Human Services Technology, Social Services Associate, Paralegal Technology, Business Administration, Secretarial Science, or a closely related curriculum; or meet one of the stated high-school-and-experience alternatives; or have an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• One qualifying high-school pathway requires two years of paraprofessional, clerical, or other public-contact experience involving duties such as negotiating, interviewing, explaining information, gathering and compiling data, data analysis, or mathematical or legal tasks, including at least one year in an income maintenance program.
• Another qualifying high-school pathway requires three years of paraprofessional, clerical, or other public-contact experience involving duties such as negotiating, interviewing, explaining information, gathering and compiling data, data analysis, or mathematical or legal tasks.
• Good mathematical reasoning and computational skills.
• Ability to communicate with clients, applicants, and the public to obtain data and explain and interpret rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to understand the needs and problems of clients and applicants.
• Ability to learn the assigned program area and agency programs and services that could affect clients or applicants.
• Ability to interact professionally with supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
• Flexibility and ability to work in a team environment.
• Must complete required drug testing and law-enforcement background check before appointment.
• Must assist in emergency and/or disaster situations and comply with the department dress code.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with EPASS and/or paper applications.
• Interview customers and verify information.
• Determine eligibility for Food and Nutrition Services, Work First Family Assistance, Childcare, Energy Assistance, Medicaid (Adult & Family), and other applicable benefit programs.
• Apply each benefit program’s eligibility guidelines and timeframes.
• Make final eligibility decisions using prudent judgment and refer situations to a Lead Worker or Supervisor when appropriate.
• Provide timely and accurate service while striving to meet key performance metrics.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors, coworkers, and customers in a professional manner.
• Respond to natural or man-made disasters and declared states of emergency as required by Cumberland County DSS policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

What This Job Offers

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