Eligibility Referral Specialist II

Salary: $40,726.00 Annually
Location : Mount Vernon, OH
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 220000176
Department: Job & Family Services
Division: JFS
Opening Date: 03/27/2026


Objectives
Join Our Team - Make a Difference in Your Community!

The Knox County Job & Family Services Public Assistance Division is seeking candidates for an Eligibility Referral Specialist 2 (Public Assistance Caseworker). This is a full-time opportunity with normal working hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Starting salary is $40,726.00 and Knox County offers robust benefits including generous leave time and Public Student Loan Forgiveness.

Why Work with Us?

At Knox County Job & Family Services, we are dedicated to strengthening our community by helping individuals and families access critical public assistance programs. If you are enthusiastic about making a difference and enjoy a fast-paced, people-focused work environment, we would love to have you on our team!

Essential Functions
Responsibilities : Interview applicants and determine eligibility for public assistance benefits which may include but are not limited to SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, PRC, Daycare, and NET. Eligibility determinations are processed using various technologies including computers, computer programs, document management systems, state/federal eligibility systems and various protected verifications. This work demands the highest level of confidentiality and ability to apply to federal, state, county and agency laws, rules and regulations.


Eligibility Determination & Case Management
• Conducts telephone and in-person interviews for Public Assistance programs
• Determines initial and ongoing eligibility
• Obtains required verifications, calculates budgets, and documents case actions
• Processes applications, redeterminations, mass changes, alerts and case changes
• Reviews and validates state-system eligibility determinations; applies overrides when directed

Client Support, Referral, & Collaboration
• Explains program requirements, procedures, and available services to applicants and participants
• Makes referrals to specialized programs and community resources
• Collaborates with long-term care facilities and external agencies to support participant needs
• Coordinates with internal CDJFS units to ensure integrated service delivery
• Provides competent services to clients, the public, and colleagues

Compliance, Reporting, & Documentation
• Prepares written notices when they are not automatically system-generated.
• Communicates with partner agencies in accordance with confidentiality laws
• Gathers information related to suspected program fraud, overpayments, or underpayments.
• Prepares accurate case records, RMS entries, correspondence, and required reports.
• Reports suspected child or elder abuse in compliance with mandatory reporting laws.
• Adheres to and maintains all confidentiality requirements in accordance with law/regulations/policy

Hearings, Legal, & Professional Conduct
• Conducts state hearings and county conferences and submits required documentation timely.
• Testifies in court as needed.
• Maintains the ability to conduct interviews and process cases with or without state system access.
• Provides coverage during staff absences.
• Maintains regular, dependable attendance and demonstrates professional, cooperative conduct.
• Participates in supervision, staff meetings, and required training.

Acts in all capacities as deemed necessary and cover all other related and unrelated duties as assigned to ensure the agency operations are maintained.

Job Standards
Requirements (Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification):

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Education, training and experience in basic mathematics, writing, and customer service
• Experience in the areas of customer service, basic office skills and basic office equipment
• Experience with computers and basic technology
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and auto insurance as required by county
• Satisfactorily complete/pass BCI and FBI background check and employment pre-screenings
• Commitment to on-the-job training

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as an Eligibility Referral Specialist 1 or 2 (not required - job training provided)
• Associate degree OR Coursework in Social Services, Sociology, Communication, Mathematics
• Combination of training and experience equal to requirements and preferred qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of
• Federal, state, county, and agency public assistance laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Interviewing techniques, public relations principles, and income-budgeting methods.
• Case documentation standards, reporting requirements, and fraud-identification indicators.
• Grammar, writing standards, and basic mathematics.
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and document-scanning systems.

Skilled in
• Collecting and entering data accurately and efficiently.
• Operating computer systems, software applications, and state eligibility platforms.
• Organizing, prioritizing, and managing large volumes of information.
• Delivering professional, culturally competent customer service.
• Communicating effectively in writing, in person, and by phone.
• Analyzing information, applying judgment, and forming sound conclusions.

Ability to
• Interpret and apply federal and state regulations in determining eligibility.
• Define problems, establish facts, and make evidence-based decisions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally across multiple channels.
• Work independently, manage pressure, and meet goals and deadlines.
• Multitask and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment.
• Organize and maintain extensive documentation.
• Work effectively with clients experiencing distress or challenging behaviors.
• Maintain confidentiality, demonstrate integrity, and uphold professional conduct.
• Learn and apply new information, system updates, and policy changes.
Knox County offers a complete package to full-time employees including: health care, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and deferred compensation plans.

To learn more, visit our Benefits Page.
01


Do you possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03


I understand and accept that, depending upon the position for which I am applying, if I am employed by Knox County, my employment may be for no definite period of time and I may be terminated, with or without cause or notice at any time, at the opinion of either Knox County, or myself. I understand that no representative of Knox County, other than an Appointing Authority, has any authority to enter into any agreement or to make any agreement with me contrary to the foregoing, except that an Appointing Authority of Knox County may do so in writing under specific limited circumstances.

• Yes
• No

04


I understand and accept that, if I am selected for employment, my initial and continued employment may be conditioned upon my passing any medical examination that the employer deems necessary to determine whether I can physically perform the essential functions of the position, with reasonable accommodation when necessary. I understand and accept that this will include drug, alcohol, or substance abuse testing.

• Yes
• No

05


If employed, I understand and accept that, depending on the department in which I am applying for employment, I may be required to work evening or night shifts including weekends, be on call, and/or work mandatory overtime hours. I also understand and accept that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of the Knox County Appointing Authority.

• Yes
• No

06


I understand and accept that if any information required in this application is found to be falsified or intentionally excluded, my application may be disqualified from further consideration. I further understand and accept that if I am employed by a Knox County Appointing Authority, I may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination, if any information required by this application has been falsified or intentionally excluded.

• Yes
• No

07


I understand and accept that the employer requires a high degree of integrity and confidentiality of its employees. I understand that the employer will use screening procedures to evaluate my qualifications and suitability for employment, including but not limited to interviews, criminal record checks, driving record checks, written testing, reference checks, background investigations, psychological evaluations, and drug testing. I also acknowledge that I may be subject to other screening procedures not specifically listed above, and that may be a prerequisite to my appointment.

• Yes
• No

08


I hereby authorize the employers, schools, and personal references named in this application to provide information regarding me to the employer. I further authorize the release of personal, academic, and other records to the employer.

• Yes
• No

09


I solemnly swear that all of the information furnished in this employment application is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application. I understand that any misrepresentation or falsification of the information provided may lead to withdrawal of an employment offer or termination following employment. I recognize that my future employment with the employer will be jeopardized if I engage in substance abuse, illegal drug abuse, or alcohol abuse. Any background check conducted as part of the hiring process shall be in compliance with State and Federal law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and EEOC Enforcement guidelines and Knox County policies. Applicants are hereby advised that State and Federal law may disqualify an individual with a particular criminal history from employment in certain positions. Reference the following link to view a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act: Therefore, in consideration of my employment application being reviewed and considered by a Knox County, Ohio, Appointing Authority, I, being at least 18 years of age and under no legal disability on behalf of my heirs and assigns, hereby release and hold harmless Knox County, Ohio and any of its agents, employees, Appointing Authorities, related officials from any and all liability, whatever type and nature, resulting from the administration of any such screening procedures and/or release of the results there from.By typing your name - you are effectively agreeing and signing this application.
10


How did you hear about this position?

• County Website
• Social Media
• OhioMeansJobs
• Indeed
• Professional Association Website
• News Outlet
• Word of Mouth
• Other

Required Question