Eligibility Specialist II

Eligibility Specialist classifications determine the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs through interactive interviewing and fact gathering; maintain current knowledge of program regulations and procedures necessary for multi-program caseload administration; initiate and process casework through automated systems; identify needs and make appropriate referrals for health, social, and/or employment services; and perform related work as required.

ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST II - $21.54 - $26.18

The Eligibility Specialist II is the journey-level classification in the Eligibility Specialist series. Incumbents demonstrate working knowledge of eligibility regulations, procedures and eligibility software systems. Eligibility Specialist II incumbents handle more complex tasks and/or caseloads independently with consultation as needed by Eligibility Specialist IIIs or Eligibility Supervisors. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level or if filled from the outside, require prior experience as an Eligibility Specialist, Eligibility Worker or comparable position.

The class of Eligibility Specialist II is distinguished from the Eligibility Specialist I as the latter requires a higher level of consultation and supervision and is working toward achieving a working knowledge of program rules and regulations. The Eligibility Specialist II class is distinguished from the Eligibility Specialist III in that the latter class is assigned lead specialist duties or special assignments with a greater degree of independent judgment.

Incumbents in the Eligibility Specialist I and II classifications typically receive supervision from an Eligibility Supervisor and may receive lead direction from an Eligibility Specialist III.

Acting as the first contact for individuals seeking public assistance; interviewing applicants and recipients to obtain and verify information needed to determine initial and/or ongoing eligibility for public assistance. This often requires obtaining information in difficult and/or emotional situations on issues such as earnings and financial obligations and/or parental status and living arrangements and maintaining control of the interview if the client becomes hostile or angry over the interview questions;

learning numerous state and federal program regulations and specific county practices through intensive training prior to full case assignment and ongoing training thereafter.

An Eligibility Specialist is not responsible for working with clients to attempt to resolve their personal or social problems; they are responsible to verify and grant eligibility for public assistance. Eligibility Specialists are expected to handle a high volume of deadline driven work which requires them to keep up to date on changes in rules, laws, procedures, etc. that effect processing timelines.

Applicants must be able to prioritize, plan and project their work, but at the same time be flexible to changes at any moment, such as unscheduled visits from customers.

It is important to understand that the actions you take as an Eligibility Specialist affect the lives of clients and their families.

As an Eligibility Specialist, you may be required to take actions that conflict with your own values. An Eligibility Specialist must be able to accept customers' differences and interact with them in a non-judgmental manner.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong emphasis on continuous quality improvement; strong work ethic and ability to prioritize assigned work tasks and follow through in a timely manner; excellent listening and strong written and verbal communication skills; excellent customer service skills and initiative; solution based problem solving skills; experience in maintaining cooperative relations and communications with customers, management, and staff;

ability to maintain a high standard of professionalism; proficiency in MS Office suite as well as basic knowledge of software and database…