Eligibility Referral Specialist 1

Salary: $18.57 Hourly
Location : Mount Vernon, OH
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-5
Department: Job & Family Services
Division: JFS Public Assistance
Opening Date: 04/03/2026


Objectives


Knox County Job & Family Services is seeking an Eligibility Referral Specialist 1 to join its Public Assistance Division. ERS1's are responsible for determining the financial eligibility of applicants for public assistance programs, refers recipients to needed services within the community and maintains ongoing eligibility for assistance.


Knox County offers competitive wages and an expansive benefit package, which includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance; free employee assistance program; public retirement and deferred compensation; generous paid leave time; 12 paid holidays; tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.


Knox County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions

• With direction from immediate supervisor interviews and screens incoming clients and/or serves Public Assistance recipients/walk-ins in order to answer eligibility/services questions by researching case records in state computer system, computer imaging systems, and through familiarity with programs/procedures.
• Schedules appointments as needed: relays reported changes to and sends messages to Case Managers, Supervisors and/or other appropriate staff.
• Makes changes and documents activity in state computer system. Discusses client needs and alternatives, assisting in the location of goods and services, making contacts with service providers, and initiating referrals as assigned.
• Explains guidelines for various programs. Performs other supportive activities as deemed necessary.
• Interviews customers to determine needs, completes tasks required to address customer concerns or requests and performs data entry in the applicable computer system.
• Assists customers with Medicaid application by completing a telephone interview or by entering the data into computer system from a customer's application. Takes appropriate action upon results of verification match with the federal hub. Enters all required data to create a case in state computer system to set up all applicants for applicable assistance.
• Completes timely and accurate reports. Determines eligibility for emergency assistance (e.g. Prevention, Retention, and Contingency) which includes interviewing applicants, collecting necessary program verifications, documenting client needs, discussing service alternatives, assisting in the location of goods and services, making contacts with service providers, initiating referrals and obtaining required authorizations.
• Communicates relevant information with internal unit staff, as well as community partners.
• Provides culturally competent service to all clients, the public and colleagues.
• Performs a variety of clerical case record maintenance functions including, but not limited to scanning case records and case record materials such as verifications, applications, documents/printouts, referral forms, etc.
• Completes various PA forms (e.g., case transfers, letters, document receipts, medical information forms, etc.); copies and logs verifications, etc.; makes informational inquires in state computer system for any of the above functions; processes returned mail. Maintains client file containing list of all applicants.
• Reports suspected child abuse or elder abuse as required.
• Attends supervision, staff, and training sessions as deter-mined necessary by immediate supervisor.
• Regular and dependable attendance.

Ability to get along with others.

Job Standards
Two years' experience as a Unit Support Worker or completion of two courses or one year of experience in behavioral science, social science or customer services techniques; one course or six months experience in business mathematics, one course or six months experience in business English, one course or six months experience in interviewing techniques, and one course or six months experience in typing, keyboarding or word processing; plus, a high school diploma or equivalent; or education, training and/or experience in an amount equal to the Minimum Qualifications stated above.
Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. Must meet and maintain qualifications for driving on county business as a continued condition of employment. Must be able to pass background check for FTI.

Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements : The physical requirements of the position are identified as sedentary work, which may require the lifting of up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

Physical Activity: Individual performs the following physical activities: standing, walking, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, listening, reaching and hearing. This position requires individuals to be on the phone and working on the computer simultaneously for extended periods of time.

Visual Activity : Individual performs computer work for long periods of time. The minimum visual activity of the seeing job is close to the eyes.
Job Location: The minimum work conditions for the position indicate that the individual is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
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 have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a valid driver's license and the ability to drive as needed for work?
03


How did you hear about this position?

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

Required Question