Eligibility Referral Specialist 1

Objectives

Individual is responsible for determining the financial eligibility of applicants for public assistance programs. Individual refers recipients to needed services within the community. Individual maintains ongoing eligibility for assistance. Individual reports to Eligibility Referral Supervisor in the Public Assistance Division.

Job Standards

Two years’ experience as a USW 2 (30112); 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 Ohio 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB 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.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs related non-essential functions as needed.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS

Equipment: Ability to operate a variety of office equipment such as computer, copier, telephone, tablet, calculator, FAX machine, video player, and other equipment necessary to perform duties.

Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply rules, regulations, and guidelines associated with Federal, State and Public Assistance programs.
• Ability to define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions using judgment, and analytical skills.
• Thorough knowledge of interpersonal skills, public relations, interviewing, personal income budgeting.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply necessary computer systems and other proprietary software to complete jobs.
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to apply program policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written.
• Ability to work independently, under pressure, and to set and achieve goals; and ability to organize and maintain large volumes of information and paperwork.
• Ability to work effectively with clients who may be upset, distraught, irate, or otherwise unable to function within reasonable range of constructive behaviors.
• Organize and prioritize work assignments, multitask with accurate focus and refocus in a fast-paced environment.
• Efficiently operate computer programs such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and agency specific programs.
• Demonstrate integrity, reliability, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Deliver excellent customer service, externally and internally.
• Proficiency in grammar, writing, mathematical skills, spelling, and punctuation.
• Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow safety policies, procedures and practices; and
• Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow federal, state, county, and department policies and procedures, laws and regulations.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK

Work consists of complex, varied, standardized and non-standardized tasks requiring application of numerous laws, rules, regulations, and procedures. Individual is required to provide technical assistance to staff personnel on programs, policies and the interrelationship of programs under extremely complex and difficult situations. The position requires the individual to be continually aware of changes occurring which must be learned and communicated as necessary. Individual must be able to professionally address and work with potentially irate customers.

III. RESPONSIBILITY

Individual must demonstrate multi-tasking and organizational skills. Individual must adhere to departmental rules and procedures regarding confidentiality due to the nature of information that is accessed. Supervisor provides general guidance allowing the Individual the ability to plan the procedures and methods to attain objectives. Individual makes choices or decisions without supervisory input on most daily activities, such as scheduling appointments, establishing priorities, making referrals to other agencies, and forming collaborative relationships with other service providers in the county. Individual operates independent of supervision daily operations, normally receiving supervisor’s input when needed. Errors in work may cause inaccuracies in reports, records, or technical data resulting in inaccurate or incomplete information, and may cause overpayment or underpayment in benefits issued and may ultimately result in fiscal sanction against the agency.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS
Contact is with co-workers, employees from public and private sector organizations and the public. The purpose of these contacts is to guide and direct, check on progress of work assigned, coordinating services, job development/referrals and handle questions about department, programs and client concerns.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.93 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17