Program Specialist - LEAP - Temporary

Arapahoe County•Aurora, CO

2d•$22 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Arapahoe County government serves its communities in ways both obvious and obscure. As the beating heart of local and regional government, we’re here for our neighbors on their best days—and their worst. We share our residents’ goals of preserving our quality of life and strive to be the place we’re proud to call home. Our Mission: Arapahoe County Department of Human Services (ACDHS) builds strong communities by promoting the safety, independence, and stability of individuals and families. Our Vision: To end the cycle of poverty and prevent abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults (using an integrated Two-Generation approach). ACDHS uses an integrated Two-Generation (2Gen) approach to address all of the basic human services needs of the entire family unit. The 2Gen approach begins with a mindset focused on family-centered program design, continues with the alignment of services and resources within the department as well as across multiple organizations, resulting in coordinated services to children and adults together (family) in order to create long term stability and sustainability. The 2Gen approach builds well-being for families by focusing equally and intentionally on high-quality services in five areas of focus: early childhood education, adult education and employment pathways, economic security, health and well-being and social capital. This approach will help us achieve our core mission of breaking the generational cycle of poverty, preventing neglect and abuse and building strong communities. The position is a seasonal, part-time LEAP position, usually with 6-hour days, 5 days per week. The Program Specialist position determines eligibility for County citizens requesting public assistance through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). The information provided by applicants can be extensive and must be analyzed against the LEAP regulations. There is a high volume of LEAP applicants for this program in a short period of time.

Requirements

Ability to deliver effective customer service and communicate with a diverse customer base, some of whom may be angry, difficult, and/or distressed customers or employees.
Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to effectively complete work in a timely manner to meet mandated processing guidelines in a high-volume, high-stress environment.
Ability to conduct an interactive interview by concurrently conducting verbal interviews and data entering pertinent information into required computer systems.
Ability to communicate professionally to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, customers, and management.
Ability to accept and adapt to changes in the work environment, priorities, and program rules and regulations and knowledge of public assistance programs and their specific regulations.
Accountability
Accessibility
Inclusivity
Integrity
High School Diploma or GED
One (1) year of office, clerical, or customer service experience.
Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered.
Must also be able to pass pre-employment criminal background check and post-employment fingerprint check successfully.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree
Human Services experience
The ability to speak additional languages is a plus; please indicate this in your application.
Previous work experience with the LEAP Program.

Responsibilities

Assist customers with the completion of applications; advise them of their rights and responsibilities; send appropriate notices to customers for action taken on cases.
Coordinate and direct clients to obtain necessary information, follow-up with clients and re-evaluate their eligibility status.
Process changes reported on cases via phone, mail, and personal contact in the State of Colorado's new LEAP system.
Develop and maintain good communications with clients, community partners and coordinating agencies.
Determine eligibility and update changes to customer's cases within mandated deadlines in State of Colorado's new LEAP system.
Make referrals to customers needing additional services such as Food Assistance, Cash Programs, Housing, etc.
Assist with county LEAP Outreach efforts, including attending community events to promote LEAP.
Attend training to maintain/enhance knowledge and professionalism.