Eligibility Specialist I Or Ii

Eligibility Specialist I or II

Employment Type: 0 - Full-time Regular
Pay Range: $39,520.00 - 61,781.00
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Overtime Exempt: No
Elected Office / Department: HUMAN SERVICES

Work with clients to determine initial and continuing eligibility for programs such as Food Assistance, Medicaid, CHP+, Colorado Works, Aid to the Needy Disabled, Old Age Pension, and other identified programs. Interface with state and county computer systems in client application/approval process, as required.

Classification (level) and compensation is based on qualifications and experience as it relates to the position. Qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position will be taken into consideration when determining hiring salary.

Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the full Employee Benefit Guide.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.)

• Performs complex calculations and tabulates figures.
• Determines the need for recovery of funds or referral for fraud investigations. Completes informational reports for submission to the proper investigative resource in cases of suspected fraud. Verifies the pertinent statements given the agency by phone contacts, written requests and/or direct contact with collateral resources. Prepares for and testifies
• Informs applicants and recipients of the relevant requirements and benefits of programs for which they have eligibility. Clarifies and interprets for clients their appeal rights and procedures. Assist and guide applicants in completing forms, securing documents and other verifications needed in completing their application.
• As needed at evidentiary or other hearings.
• Utilizes computer daily for inquiry and data entry for preparation of complex correspondence, spreadsheet development and record maintenance and research. Maintain client records within the Colorado Benefit Management System (CBMS) and electronic case file in the Department’s electronic document management system. Document all actions taken on applications and cases within CBMS.
• Maintaining computer based records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Approves or denies applications and informs applicants of results within the appropriate time frame and in a manner that can be understood by the client. On an ongoing basis, inform recipients of changes in the law or regulations affecting eligibility and/or amount of grant. Provides information and assesses need for referral to services staff and other community agencies for available assistance.
• Gather, organize and review information supplied by applicants and recipients regarding financial and non-financial criteria relevant to the initial and continuing eligibility for public assistance programs as identified.
• Interface on a daily basis with statewide computer system requiring accurate and complete data entry of information. Interprets and evaluates computer generated data to determine application to individual case processing for approvals, changes, denials and discontinuations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• May perform lead worker responsibilities. (Eligibility Specialist II)
• This position does not directly supervise others employees.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR: Consequence of error may result in providing inaccurate information to Division or Department Management, eligibility staff and the public. Errors in benefit determination could impact reimbursements to the County, negatively affect client benefits, and result in the initiation of client recoveries and County and/or State repayments and adverse audit findings.

CONTACTS: This position has daily contact with other employees, client and public. Must be able to create and maintain working relationships with applicants, recipients, coworkers, advocacy groups, legal representatives, the public and other agencies of the community. Must be able to deal with applicants who may be hostile, confused, or disabled.

INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT: Work is primarily directed through office policy and state regulations and procedures. Must be knowledgeable and able to interpret regulations. With supervisory oversight, must also exercise judgment in applying rules/regulations and ensure that all recipient information is accurate and verified.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Eligibility Specialist I:

• A high school diploma or GED supplemented by one year of related course work or related experience.
• One year of work experience in customer service is required.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Eligibility Specialist II:

• A high school diploma or GED supplemented by two years of course work or related experience.
• Experience using the Colorado Benefit Management System (CBMS) to determine eligibility for the above programs, is preferred.
• One year of experience with determining eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Old Age Pension (OAP), or Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND) is required.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form.
• Ability to explain complex regulation to a variety of individuals.
• The ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret documents and procedure manuals.
• Ability to develop reports and correspondence.
• Ability to interview clients while inputting data into a computer.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as interest, proportions, and percentages.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to the situations presented and regulation used to determine eligibility.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• At departmental discretion, candidate may be required to demonstrate use of computer, mathematical, and/or other specialized skills through pre-employment assessment testing.
• Must have the ability to grasp the complexities of CBMS and other state computer based systems.
• Must be able to work in a Windows-based computer environment.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS: This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check including fingerprinting through a national database.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is generally performed in a typical office environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is open until filled, review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

The job details outlined in this posting represent a modified summary of the full job description. A full copy of the job description may be requested by emailing [email protected].

In the event of an emergency/disaster in or near the County, all County employees are expected to make every effort to be available to assist the County Manager, Elected/Appointed Officials and Department Directors to ensure the continued operation of any and all necessary County functions. This may mean being available to perform additional duties and hours beyond what is normally required. In the event that an exempt employee does work more than 40 hours a week in support of County operations during an emergency, such employee may receive overtime or other appropriate wage compensation in accordance with existing County policies or at the discretion of the County.