LA PLATA COUNTY Human Services Dept- Eligibility Technician: Do you have a strong desire to serve the public and give back to your community? If so, La Plata County Human Services is the place for you! We serve our community by connecting individuals & families to stabilization services like food, medical, cash, & childcare benefits. Duties include conducting interviews to determine eligibility, processing eligibility changes for various financial programs, and connecting individuals or families with additional services & supports available within our community. Extensive data entry, interview, & computer skills req'd. Must have excellent verbal & written communication skills & the ability to work independently. Remote work is possible. Testing, background check & valid driver's license required. Full Time with medical, dental, vision, retirement, 38+ paid vacation/holiday days, 13+ paid sick days & paid parental leave benefits $21.50-$23.11/hour depending on experience. Position open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CLASS TITLE: ELIGIBILITY TECHNICIAN I
GRADE: G07
DEPARTMENT: HUMAN SERVICES
FLSA STATUS: N
REPORTS TO: RESOURCE MANAGER
DATE: 11/24/20
REVISED DATE: 4/2022
JOB SUMMARY: Entry level position that assesses needs and verifies eligibility of clients for various human services programs such as food assistance, Medicaid, child care, cash benefits, and others; requires frequent use of professional judgment in interpreting conflicting rules and policy; requires knowledge of eligibility rules & regulations for the many assistance programs; extensive data entry and use of a data management system; interviews applicants and advises them of resources available; accurately documents and completes referrals both internally and to community agencies; documents all client interactions and casework clearly and concisely. Receives close oversight from the training and supervisory team.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible. Successfully completes initial required training as assigned by the hiring manager. Attends all ongoing training assigned by state partners and county administrators. Independently navigates county and state computer and data systems including but not limited to Microsoft Outlook, Laserfiche, & the Colorado Benefit Management System (CBMS). Interprets and accurately applies regulations in determining eligibility for assigned program(s); informs clients of changes in the law or regulations which affect their continuing eligibility and/or the amount of their benefit. Demonstrates development of appropriate written and verbal communication skills needed to communicate with applicants and community or state partners. Reviews and accurately interprets data provided by various data interfaces including but not limited to CDLS, The Work Number, IEVS, SVES, NDNH, PARIS, DRS/FA, EBT Edge. Using one data management system for data entry, creates an accurate case history in order to determine eligibility for many different eligibility programs. Enters, retrieves and analyzes data as gathered from computer generated interfaces as well as data collected by client report. Processes new applications and ongoing casework; meets minimum processing standards; conducts in-depth, interactive and motivational interviews with clients; assesses needs and determines eligibility for assigned program(s); reviews relevant information supplied by client; using analytical thinking and deductive reasoning, clarifies and/or verifies information provided as needed. Meets acceptable accuracy benchmarks. Demonstrates proficiency in processing accurate and timely determinations. Demonstrates familiarity in client appeal rights, client rights and responsibilities, as well as the requirement to cooperate with Quality Assurance reviews. Performs other related duties as assigned. Regular and predictable attendance is required.
MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED: Multiple computer monitors, scanning equipment, FAX, copier, e-Mail, calculator, other general office equipment
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Education and Experience: High School diploma or GED; and, Two years of progressively responsible clerical or data entry work; or Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Licenses and Certifications: None
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of: Recordkeeping and/or case documentation Community resources available to assist clients. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
Skill in: Interviewing techniques. Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Preparing clear and concise reports of contact, correspondence and other written materials. Time management, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction. Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols. Using multiple monitors and programs to accurately and rapidly enter and retrieve data and information. Using mathematics. Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to: Ability to respond to each client with empathy and respect. Ability to tolerate a high level of ambiguity when rules contradict each other and when a household situation does not fit within the regulations. Ability to integrate information learned in one situation to apply it to similar situations when they arise. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands: Work is performed in a call-center style, cubicle office environment with little exposure to outdoor temperatures or dirt and dust. The incumbent's working conditions are moderately quiet. Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time, to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to speak and hear; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; to verbally communicate to exchange information. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.