Benefit Eligibility Associate & Specialist (Part-Time)

Associate Benefits & Eligibility Specialist

Are you passionate about helping and serving the El Paso County community, including some of our most vulnerable members? Do you have strong attention to detail, a sense of responsibility, and a passion for customer service? We have the perfect opportunity for you! As part of our PEAK Team, you will play an important role assisting community partners and clients by helping process cases, decipher documentation, and connect individuals to eligible benefits and services. This role requires compassionate communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to provide friendly, efficient support that makes a meaningful impact in our community.

Salary Range: $19.495 - $28.337 Hourly

Hiring Range: $20.097 – $22.500 Hourly

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $21.535 Hourly

Benefits & Eligibility Specialist Salary Range: $21.591 - $31.313 Hourly

Hiring Range: $22.500 – $24.423 Hourly

Anticipated Hiring Rate: $23.485 Hourly

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 2:00pm with some flexibility required; hybrid schedule may be available upon successful completion of the initial evaluation period; subject to change.

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, additional background checks may be required, including a Government Program Fraud and Child Welfare Abuse & Neglect database (TRAILS) check.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Interviews applicants/clients and assists them in understanding and completing all required eligibility paperwork.
• Verifies program and services eligibility factors by retrieving or confirming information from a variety of sources.
• Performs eligibility computations based upon client-provided and collateral information; determines applicability of work registration requirements.
• Conducts client customer service reviews.
• Reviews cases for accuracy and completeness.
• Investigates and computes possible issuance errors; creates reports concerning circumstances, establishes claims and restores lost benefits.
• Responds to client requests for appeals or administrative hearings, composes rebuttal letters and attends hearings.
• Provides clients with information and referrals to community support services, child care assistance and other available resources to help facilitate a comprehensive solution to the client's circumstances.
• Answers the Customer Service Line (CSL) and/or consumer inquiries to assist with changes and questions about our services as needed.
• Participates in internal committees, training, workshops and seminars.
• Assists with unassigned caseloads as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of public assistance rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Must be detail oriented and ensure accuracy in work. Ability to enter data in applicable databases timely and accurately.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, other DHS personnel, clients, other agencies and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to effectively plan, schedule, organize and assess situations to make prudent and appropriate decisions.
• Ability to provide conflict resolution and problem solving skills.
• Ability to use standard office equipment including computer, fax machine, copier and telephone.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Two years of customer service or administrative experience.
  • Associate's or degree or higher in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

Benefits & Eligibility Specialist:

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Three years of customer service or administrative experience.
  • Associate's degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
• One year of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a human services agency.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation and drug screen.

Work Conditions

Duties are primarily performed in a high volume office and remote work environment dependent on business needs. May be required to work evening and weekend hours. May be exposed to clients in stressful situations. This is a part-time position regularly working up to 25 hours per week. The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.

El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.

El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.