ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I

What you will do Families in need and in crisis require time sensitive actions from strong, compassionate individuals who are dedicated to assisting the vulnerable and promoting strong self‑sufficient families. This demanding and challenging career could be your opportunity to help those in need make a better life for themselves and their families. Every minute and every case processed count for those who are hungry, caring for others, in need of assistance to provide shelter for loved ones, or just need a helping hand, and your career choice could make a critical difference by making a tremendous impact on countless lives. If you are interested in making a difference, please join our team. How you will make an impact The primary function of an Eligibility Specialist involves determining the eligibility of applicants and recipients for government assistance programs. The work performed includes processing data from electronic sources and entering information into a computer‑based eligibility system under state and federal requirements. Eligibility workers are expected to handle a high volume of work which is deadline driven. Workers must be able to prioritize, plan and project their work, while remaining flexible to frequent changes in the program policy and/or computer‑based systems. The duties of a typical day are as follows: Interviewing applicants to obtain and verify information needed to determine eligibility for Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance. Learning numerous state and federal program regulations, through intensive training prior to full case assignment and then ongoing training thereafter. Instructing clients in completion of various forms, and reviewing the applications and forms submitted for completeness and accuracy. Determining program eligibility in accordance with current regulations using a computer‑based eligibility system. Researching information provided by an applicant until satisfactory explanations regarding eligibility status is confirmed. Reporting cases where identity theft or fraud is suspected. Advising clients of deadlines, time frames, and necessary actions to be taken. Working with clients who may not take the necessary actions within the required time frame. Establishing and maintaining multiple electronic files and conducting regular reviews and updates. Documenting all communications and contacts with clients. Managing an electronic caseload that varies based on the community needs, ensuring that accuracy levels are maintained, and cases are processed within the specified time frames set by federal and state regulations. Computing and authorizing government assistance benefits based on financial and family status. Reviewing and explaining the monthly benefit amount to the customer. Staying current with changes in rules, laws, procedures, etc. that affect timeliness and accuracy. This position may require face‑to‑face contact with clients. Qualifications Two years or more of customer service, interviewing, recruiting, investigating, accounting, processing insurance policies or determining eligibility. OR Associate degree, or higher from an accredited college or university, OR 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours can substitute for the experience. (When applying please attach required education, certification, or licensure). Ability to attend an 8‑12 week mandatory training course. Additional Information and Requirements All eligible candidates will be required to complete a skills assessment to include the following tests, which requires successful completion for advancement to the next step in the hiring process: Within 3 days of the link being sent by email, the assessment must be completed. Typing (TT) – A test of typing speed, measuring both speed and accuracy. General Aptitude Mobile Evaluation (GAME) – A test to evaluate critical thinking, problem‑solving ability, attention to detail and the ability to learn and apply new information. Employee Personality Profile (EPP) – A test to assess personality traits. Hired candidates may be eligible for telework if they are employed with the department for a minimum of nine months, have completed training, and meet or exceed all performance expectations. Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process as determined by Agency needs at the time of selection. Incumbents may be expected to work during emergency situations or natural disasters. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Apply the laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple government assistance programs and the case administration of these programs. Ability to review images such as pictures or handwritten notes to make eligibility determinations based on the information provided. Communicate with others to obtain and verify information concerning eligibility. Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations. Analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources. Enter data accurately into a computerized system. Navigate through computer screens, complete, and review basic computer documents and other forms. Plan and organize caseload to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness. Read, understand, apply complicated and detailed regulations, and policy directives. Perform a variety of mathematical computations accurately and rapidly. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff. Use computers and related software packages. Follow written and oral directions and instructions. Candidate Profile (application) must be completed in its entirety Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment. Account for and explain any gaps in employment so that the hiring process is not delayed. Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to pre‑qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications. It is unacceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of entering work history. If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Benefits of Working for the State of Florida Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits. With 12,000 employees across the state, DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Our jobs are among the most challenging, complex, and difficult in State government. They are also among the most rewarding. All employees are encouraged to take advantage of available Department opportunities for advancement and professional development. Selective Service Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion into an authorized position unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire. Background Screening Requirement It is the policy of the Florida Department of Children and Families that any candidate being considered for employment must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., and, if applicable, Chapter 408, F.S. Employment may be terminated based on the background investigation results if the candidate begins employment before the background results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Department. Background Investigations Fingerprinting for State and national criminal records check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include local criminal history checks through local law enforcement agencies. Employees will be retained in state and national rap back program, providing real‑time arrest hit notifications. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency. Benefit Recovery Screening Candidates applying to positions in the Economic Self‑Sufficiency Program may have a Benefit Recovery check completed to validate current or former government assistance case information and check for outstanding overpayments before completing the hiring process. Accommodation Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center View phone number on click.appcast.io). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. Drug-Free Workplace The State of Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Veterans’ Preference Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr