DHS - Lead Eligibility Specialist

Pueblo County • Pueblo, CO

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About The Position

The Lead Eligibility Specialist performs lead work over eligibility specialists who apply rules, regulations, and procedures to determine eligibility for public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), for families and adults. The position is in the Assistance Payments - Quality Assurance unit and reports to the Quality Assurance Supervisor, Tanya Dreiling. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill multiple positions.

The specialist serves as a primary program-area resource, provides technical guidance to less experienced staff, reviews cases, and independently handles complex eligibility and case-processing work. Duties include customer interviews and inquiries, case documentation and data entry, verifying information, and determining eligibility. The position also supports program administration, outreach, and hearings, and may provide coverage for a manager.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• At least two years of administrative support experience or related clerical work.
• At least four years of experience performing as an Eligibility Specialist.
• Valid driver's license at the time of application and a valid Colorado driver's license at the time of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Supervisory experience.
• Completion of Supervisory Curriculum within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and support to less experienced staff as a primary resource or expert in the program area.
• Review cases to ensure rules are interpreted and applied appropriately.
• Respond to and help resolve inquiries, complaints, and requests for eligibility information; research systems and refer customers and members of the public to related assistance services and programs.
• Enter and update case and customer information in automated systems, maintain inquiry-level access to state and county systems, and independently complete complex data entry across multiple systems.
• Evaluate computer-generated information for accuracy and applicability to case processing, and manually track and manage cases when the system cannot accept information.
• Gather, assemble, and review applicants' and recipients' financial and non-financial information.
• Establish and maintain case files; prepare documentation to initiate, continue, or modify public assistance; and organize work to meet eligibility and timeliness requirements.
• Verify information through direct, collateral, and phone contacts and system interfaces.
• Interview customers, obtain detailed case information, and request supporting documentation as needed.
• Explain program requirements and benefits, help applicants complete forms, secure documents, and independently notify applicants of appeal rights and procedures in response to system-generated notices.
• Approve or deny applicants based on case information and applicable program rules and regulations.
• Maintain a caseload of highly confidential cases.
• Participate in committees and boards related to program activities and responsibilities.
• Coordinate and attend community outreach events, and develop outreach plans and incentive programs.
• Provide administrative support for assigned programs, including maintaining records and verifying their accuracy.
• Prepare case information for testimony and represent the county at county and state evidentiary hearings or appeals; testify as necessary.
• Work mandatory overtime if required and alternate schedules or at other Pueblo County locations if required.
• Fill in for the manager during the manager's absence if required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, for full-time employees.
• Vacation and sick leave accrual.
• Remote and hybrid working opportunities.
• County retirement program.
• Supportive leadership and autonomy to grow and pursue a career path.
• Inclusive and diverse work environment.
• Fitness center at the Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building.
• Four-week paid parental leave benefit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED