Eligibility Specialist

The City of Fort Myers strives to be an employer of choice and most of our employees turn jobs into long term careers. The salary shown in the job description is the full range for this position from entry to later career. NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Safety Sensitive: No Level II Screening: No Under the general direction of the designated supervisor, the incumbent determines eligibility and distribute benefits to the public in an efficient, timely and courteous manner. The work is performed with limited direction and considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, independently developing work methods and sequences. This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice. Non-Essential Employees will not be required to work during a declared emergency. The employee’s Department Head will determine when the employee will be required to work. Perks and Benefits Free city-paid employee health coverage, additional for spouse or family 3 weeks Paid Time Off (sick & vacation) 13 paid holidays Pension plan & optional Deferred Compensation City-paid life insurance Optional Vision, Dental, and Disability Insurance Tuition reimbursement On-site Gym facility And much more! Performs intake screening with clients; enters personal/client data into the computer; reviews and processes applications; determines eligibility for programs by applying local, state, and federal policies. Conducts in person interviews and telephone screenings; summarizes information; recommends determinations of eligibility based on submitted information and makes appropriate referrals. Reviews applications for accuracy and collects data; analyzes and reviews documents submitted; advises applicants when more information is needed to determine eligibility; notifies clients of the status of their application; sends letters of determination. Explains housing programs to clients; answers telephone and email inquiries and records phone call logs; makes referrals to outside resources and coordinates with outside agencies. Compiles case files; prepares files for closing; reviews and closes cases for 2nd party review; reviews difficult cases with supervisor to determine eligibility of case. This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee’s physical presence at the workplace. Performs other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Proficient in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and accounting software. Possess strong problem-solving skills and is able to work independently. Skill to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to operate necessary equipment, including personal computer, calculator, printer, copier, facsimile and other standard office equipment. High school Diploma or GED equivalent. A valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Bilingual English / Spanish verbal and written Balancing – maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching. Climbing – ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility. Crawling – moving about on hands, knees, or hands, feet. Crouching – bending body forward by bending leg, spine. Feeling – perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips. Fingering – picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand. Grasping – applying pressure to object with fingers, palm. Handling – picking, holding, or working with whole hand. Hearing 1 – perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information. Hearing 2 – receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound. Kneeling – bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees. Lifting – raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back. Mental Acuity – ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning. Pushing – use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward. Reaching – extending hands or arms in any direction. Repetitive Motion – substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers. Speaking – expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely. Standing – for sustained periods of time. Stooping – bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back. Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word. Talking 2 – shouting to be heard above ambient noise. Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading. Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision. Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures. Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment. Visual Acuity 5 - close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts. Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug. Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site. Work performed is primarily: Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. WORK ENVIRONMENT Works in an office environment and sits for long periods of time. May be required to work hours other than the regular schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. Occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Contact with internal and external customers, vendors, outside agencies and the general public. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described herein. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. #J-18808-Ljbffr