Eligibility Specialist I- Food & Nutrition Services

Hiring Range $20.00 - $23.07 per hour. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job. At Mecklenburg County, you will have the chance to build a career that reflects your unique voice and perspective, shaping a culture of inclusion and technology. The Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources strives to strengthen families and communities through a comprehensive safety‑net of services, collaborations, and hope, cultivating an organizational culture that is more compassionate and understanding toward each other and our clients. Position Summary Under direct supervision, this position performs customer service activities and determines initial and ongoing eligibility for the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program while supporting cross‑functional department needs. The FNS program, administered by the Department of Community Resources, provides federal assistance to low‑income individuals and families to purchase food, improve nutrition, and alleviate hunger. Benefits are issued via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for eligible food purchases. Links State Information site: State FNS Policy Manual: County Resource site: Pre‑Employment Assessment Candidates selected for an interview will be required to complete an in‑person pre‑employment assessment. The assessment will be a paper‑and‑pencil test administered on a Saturday, tentatively scheduled for 6/27/26. Candidates who achieve a score of 80% or higher will move forward in the hiring process. Training Standards Notice This position requires you to undergo a structured training program. Performance expectations must be met. Phase One is an open book, open note exam that requires a passing score of at least 84%. One re‑test is allowed if the expectation is not initially met. Phase Two requires continuous meeting of reasonable minimum quality and training mentoring expectations measured on a bi‑weekly cadence. Failure to pass either phase may result in dismissal. Work Location The Catherine M. Wilson Center at 301 Billingsley Rd, Charlotte NC 28211. Primary work schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (In‑office; telework not available). Essential Functions Assist call center or walk‑in contacts, interview customers, gather information, and input data into appropriate systems. Verify customer information through paper documentation, online search, and phone calls and determine program eligibility. Process applications for basic FNS benefits. Respond to client and public inquiries regarding services available, documentation requirements, other community resource options, and ongoing program and benefit status and customer record changes. Perform data entry and maintain system files and databases on clients, providers, and program services. Maintain basic knowledge of multiple social service programs or in‑depth knowledge of one program. Perform work in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment with continual customer interaction. Some positions may be required to directly work on enrollment and eligibility activities within the NC FAST system. May be required to staff shelters in the event of a disaster. Minimum Qualifications Experience: Minimum of two years of customer service with direct interaction with members of the public or successful completion of the CPCC Caseworker Training Program (or another participating program). Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted. Licenses and Certifications: May require a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License. Preferred Qualifications Associate’s degree preferred. Experience processing insurance claims, mortgage/loan processing, working with specialized computer programs, and working in a call center preferred. Bilingual (Spanish and English) proficiency, oral and written. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including spelling, grammar, and composition. Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. Familiar with social service programs. Active listening and effective communication skills. Service orientation and customer focus. Continuously learning and applied learning. Team collaboration and contributing to team success. Ethical decision making and effective problem solving. Time management and effective work management. Motivation fit aligned with the organization’s values. Computer Skills Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite. Work Environment Office setting with moderate noise. Reasonable Accommodations Statement To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Disclaimer Statement This is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of job‑related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements, or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations. #J-18808-Ljbffr