Eligibility Specialist

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Starting pay range is $25.25/hr – $28.28/hr depending on qualifications. Candidates who have prior work experience as a County Eligibility Specialist or have directly related experience determining program eligibility may qualify for hire above the minimum of the wage scale.

Performs intermediate skilled administrative support work determining initial and ongoing eligibility for State and Federal public assistance programs for individuals and/or families in a manner compliant with applicable County, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and rules; and working with clients to establish and/or maintain self-sufficiency and economic independence. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Financial Assistance Supervisor.

• Assesses, reviews and determines eligibility by performing intakes and assessments for new applicants for financial, emergency/crisis and health care programs, issues program benefits for eligible clients and monitors continued compliance and eligibility.
• Interviews and screens clients in person and by phone to explain program eligibility and requirements; assists clients with diverse cultural and language backgrounds with the application process; verifies income, financial resources, work history, assesses client needs and makes referrals to other agencies, programs and community resources; processes applications in multiple software systems to determine appropriate program benefits.
• Complies with information and testifies during appeal hearings.
• Enters information into and reviews State database(s) regarding client eligibility and benefit programs; checks interfaces with other County, State, and Federal agencies and departments; verifies accuracy of benefit determination; refers cases and individuals to the Fraud Investigator when financial abuse is suspected; notifies clients of determination; responds to questions from clients, outside facilities, agencies and vendors regarding client benefits and eligibility.
• Performs case management activities.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of public assistance programs; serves as a resource and provides training to other staff members.
• Communicates information with internal and external partners on County, State, and Federal guidelines.
• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

High school diploma or GED, and three years of experience in human services, collections, legal, financial or customer service-related field working with State and Federal benefit eligibility programs, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Associates/Technical degree is preferred.

A valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility is required upon hire.

Knowledge of State statutes regarding Confidentiality, Privacy, and Protected information; skill in the use of standard office equipment, computer and software programs; verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively present information and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences; reading comprehension skills sufficient to read and interpret court orders, legal documents and technical documents related to financial services;

interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and/or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships; ability to learn, apply and interpret laws and regulations related to State and Federal financial/healthcare programs, some of which may be complex and interrelated; ability to learn County government work flows and processes; ability to perform data entry into various databases; ability to problem solve using knowledge of multiple programs and the rules of application;

ability to use de‑escalation techniques with non‑cooperative/non‑compliant clients and when deemed necessary report escalating behaviors to law enforcement personnel; ability to learn accounting and financial systems and programs used to support department’s financial function; ability to interpret a variety of client provided…