ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I

Eligibility Specialist I - 60049373

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.

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/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: 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. Computer Skills (CLIK) – A basic computer literacy test, assessing knowledge of internet browsers, email, chat, and word processing. 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.