Consumer Benefits Specialist I

Denton County MHMR Center; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Denton MHMR in Denton, TX is seeking a Consumer Benefits Specialist to help clients obtain SSI/Medicaid and other benefits. You will screen for eligibility, gather documents, help complete forms, and guide clients through the application and appeal process.

Under supervision, you will work with consumers and staff as a benefits resource, ensuring accurate information and timely processing while upholding Trauma-Informed Care principles and privacy standards in a community-based setting.

Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from disqualifying offenses per TX TAC/HHSC.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and auto insurance; Texas license within 30 days if out-of-state.
• Working knowledge of computers in a Windows environment; medical office experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care principles applied in practice.

Responsibilities

• Screens consumers for eligibility by completing financial assessments and documentation.
• Assists with applications for SSI/Medicaid, Social Security, Medicare and related programs.
• Maintains information and documents for initial screenings and completes filings as needed.
• Acts as Resource Specialist for outpatient clinics and assists with coverage during operating hours.
• Provides front desk coverage at assigned location as needed.

Skills

Knowledge of needs and community

Computer skills (Windows)

Communication effectively

Trauma-Informed Care understanding

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

MHMR experience / Medicaid enrollment knowledge

Job description

Under direction of the Consumer Services Supervisor and within federal, state and local guidelines performs routine human services support work.Work involves providing information to clients or assisting staff in the delivery of social services.

The Consumer Benefits Specialist assists MHMR clients in obtaining SSI (Supplemental Security Income)/Medicaid and other relevant benefits by screening for eligibility, obtaining necessary information and documents, assisting with the completion of forms, and assisting clients throughout the application and appeal process.The Consumer Benefits Specialist is assigned to work with consumers and will act as a resource for benefits information to the staff and clients of those assigned units. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Medical office experience preferred.

Experience in the MHMR field, financial intake, and knowledge of Medicaid enrollment preferred.

Must have working knowledge of computers in a Windows based environment.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.

Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the needs, problems, and community environments of persons with disabilities; of community and government service delivery systems; of case management systems; and of community welfare resources.
• Skill in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
• Ability to negotiate services and to communicate effectively.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.
• Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

• Screens consumers for eligibility by completing the financial assessment; contributes to the ongoing development of financial assessment and eligibility screening tools for various relevant benefits including but not limited to SSI/Medicaid, Social Security/Medicare, Star, QMB(Qualified Medicare Beneficiary), SLMB(Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary), and CHIPS (Children's Health Insurance Program); completes maximum monthly fee process and enter financial information into MIS.
• Maintains necessary information and documentation for completion of the initial screening process; uses all available resources to collect information and supporting documentation necessary to complete eligibility screening as appropriate for 95% of all clients scheduled; conducts interactions with staff and clients in an effective, professional and ethical manner 100% of the time; provides or obtains information to/from clinic and case coordination staff to facilitate completion of 100% of the screenings initiated; assists 100% of clients being referred to complete application forms to the extent necessary.
• Acts as a Resource Specialist for outpatient clinics as assigned by the Director; conducts the initial interviews with clients to determine their eligibility for agency purchase of prescribed medications; provides coverage during hours of operation of assigned clinic.
• Participates in and contributes to program planning, policy development and interagency coordination of Medicaid eligibility programs; attends and participates in departmental meetings monthly; performs inter and intra-agency research for projects to contribute to program planning activities as needed; attend and participate in monthly meetings to develop strategies to increase Medicaid system capacity, focus Medicaid services on specific populations, etc.
• Provide coverage for front desk at assigned location as needed during lunch or staff shortages.
• Maintain and operate company vehicle as required (if needed to complete eligibility screening); maintains current auto liability insurance and provide proof to Human Resources