Eligibility Specialist

• Base Pay $21.09 / Hour
• Job Category Case Management

Under the direct supervision of a JFS Supervisor, determine/re-determine eligibility and maintain programs/cases for those in need, including parents with children, low-income individuals and families, medically disabled individuals and the elderly. These programs offer subsidized child care, food, cash and medical assistance.

• Staff Call Center phones as needed and assigned between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or until the queue is cleared, whichever is later.
• Conduct face-to-face and phone interviews with individuals and/or families.
• Evaluate applications/re-applications to determine initial and/or on-going eligibility for all types of Public Assistance programs.
• Assist the individuals and/or families in meeting the goals of support services, the self‑sufficiency contract, service plan, and/or reunification plan.
• Complete all paperwork/computer work/phone calls connected with obtaining and/or receiving all necessary verifications in assisting the applicant/recipient families.
• Process documents in accordance with guidelines to approve or deny applications, re‑applications, process changes, benefit reductions, suspensions and terminations.
• Explain to families their program responsibilities and rights, refer families to other programs and/or agencies when appropriate.
• Enter and retrieve data in appropriate systems.
• Respond to all benefit related inquiries and correspondence from individuals/families and other agencies in a timely manner:
  Answering telephones, checking voicemail, checking e‑mails, checking eligibility system, and seeing individuals who come to the agency.
• Prepare and maintain confidential case records.
• Maintain confidentiality of all client information according to policies.
• Draft routine correspondence concerning individuals/families, including notices, referrals, suspensions, reductions, terminations and/or denials as may be required.
• Receive and investigate complaints concerning lost, stolen or undelivered benefits.
• Enter and maintain digital imaging files.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
• Operate a motor vehicle as needed to perform the essential functions.
• Keep current by reading and updating the various manuals and by reading other related policies and/or correspondence and attending trainings and meetings as assigned.
• Make home visits as necessary.

• Attend workshops, meetings and seminars.
• May assist in training new employees.
• Perform other related Essential and Non‑Essential functions as needed.

Systems:
Ability to operate computers for data input and retrieval; proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook and Internet Explorer; knowledge of CRIS‑E, OIES, SACWIS, OWCMS, SETS, Maximus Ledger Suite, MUNIS, MITS, BUY‑IN, E‑GATEWAY, E‑QUIL, CCIDS, Time Force, Agency’s Digital Imaging system and other systems as required by program area responsibility.

Equipment:
Incumbent operates equipment such as, but not limited to, the following: personal computer, printer, calculator, multi‑functional copier, fax machine and shredder.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies in the position.

• Adherence to Agency Policies – Adhere to the rules of the agency (i.e. takes breaks/lunches when scheduled, clock in/out appropriately, conform to dress code policy).
• Attendance & Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time;
  Arrive at meetings and appointments on time.
• Attitude & Demeanor – Exhibit a positive and supportive attitude, open and receptive to constructive feedback and direction, exhibit patience and able to control and regulate emotions.
• Communication Skills – Communicate…