ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I

Description The Eligibility Specialist I – Call Center and Switchboard position ensures timely and accurate service delivery for Cabarrus County residents, managing high‑volume application assignments, fax processing, case transfers, inbound customer calls, front desk operations at Milestone, and participating in outreach and strategic planning. Essential Functions Interview applicants and process various program applications and change‑in‑situation actions for Food & Nutrition, Medicaid, WFFA and Energy programs. Compute and update budgets, enter and maintain case data in county and state systems. Gather information at the front desk, route clients, scan documents, and process agency mail. Answer agency switchboard and call‑center inbound calls. Maintain records, files, and confidentiality. Typical Tasks Process mail‑in eligibility applications. Receive and handle inbound calls regarding new or established cases. Collect client information for change‑in‑situation actions and enter data into systems. Forward complex cases to Eligibility Specialist II. Gather income, financial resources, residency data and compute budgets. Review declaration and application forms; verify information via phone or correspondence. Explain program requirements, advise or refer clients. Inform clients of rights and obligations as per program policies. Respond to inquiries about benefits, application process and eligibility. Compute and authorize assistance amounts. Operate computer terminal and enter data into state and county systems. Document electronic case records; produce monthly financial reports. Operate standard office equipment; assist social workers. Compile intake and review packets, perform online verifications. Participate in training, teams, task forces, committees, outreach activities. Perform related tasks as required, including emergency shelter operations. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities General knowledge of program areas; ability to read, analyze, and apply federal, state, and county rules and regulations; standard office skills; computer and software proficiency; effective oral and written communication; mathematical reasoning; accurate record‑keeping; composure in difficult situations; reliable attendance; collaborative relationships. Minimum Education and Experience Associate degree in Human Services Technology, Social Services, Paralegal Technology, Business Administration, Secretarial Science, Accounting, or a closely related field; or High‑school diploma and one year of paraprofessional, clerical, or public‑contact experience; or Equivalent combination of education and experience. One year of experience may substitute for the NC FAST Human Services Certification. Candidates must have completed Phases I and II of the NC FAST program and provide documentation. Physical and Special Requirements Work may require early/late hours. Must perform interview, determination, and review functions for one‑ or two‑income maintenance programs. Sedentary work that may require lifting up to 10 lb, stooping, reaching, repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required. Hearing and visual acuity are necessary. EEO Statement Cabarrus County selects applicants for employment based on job‑related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, or political influence. Benefits Earned vacation and sick leave 11‑12 paid holidays per year Floating holiday Paid personal day Bereavement leave Paid parental bonding leave Local Government Employees Retirement System (6% employee contribution) NC401K with 5% employer contribution; optional additional contributions and 457 plan option Health insurance plans: consumer‑driven HSA, PPO, optional dependent coverage Comprehensive health & wellness program: on‑site exercise equipment, wellness classes, health clinic, employee assistance program Optional dental plans: PPO or non‑PPO, optional dependent coverage Vision plan: annual routine eye exam, optional eyewear plan Term life insurance: $20,000 term life & accidental death coverage; optional additional coverage #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Santa Fe Springs