DHS - Lead Eligibility Specialist

Pueblo County, CO; Pueblo (CO); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Vacation & Sick Leave

Remote & Hybrid work

County retirement program

Career growth support

Inclusive environment

Fitness Center

Parental leave

Job summary

Pueblo County, CO is seeking an experienced Eligibility Specialist supervisor-level candidate to oversee eligibility determination for Medicaid and SNAP. The role includes guidance to staff, case data entry, and coordination of outreach efforts within the Assistance Payments - Quality Assurance unit.

The position emphasizes accurate information gathering, confidential case handling, and preparation for hearings or appeals, with potential overtime and travel to Pueblo locations as needed.

Qualifications

• Two years of administrative support or related clerical work.
• Four+ years of experience as an Eligibility Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary resource in the program area, guiding staff on rules and procedures.
• Enter and update case information in automated systems with accuracy.
• Gather and review information from applicants and document case files.
• Interview customers to obtain detailed case information and necessary documentation.
• Inform applicants about program requirements and assist with forms and notices.
• Maintain highly confidential caseloads and prepare documentation for hearings.
• Coordinate outreach events and develop outreach plans and incentives.
• Provide administrative support and verify record accuracy.
• Prepare case information for testimony and participate in hearings or appeals.

Skills

Case management

Interviewing for information

Regulatory interpretation

Inquiry handling

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

State/County case systems

Job description

Performs lead work duties over eligibility specialists who apply rules, regulations and procedures to determine eligibility for public assistance programs for families and/or adults in Medicaid, and/or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP also known as food assistance), program areas of the Department of Human Services to Families and/or Adults.

Unit: Assistance Payments - Quality Assurance

Supervisor: Tanya Dreiling

*** This Vacancy Announcement may be used to fill multiple positions.

• Act as the primary resource or expert in the program area, providing technical guidance and support to less experienced staff. Reviews cases for appropriate interpretation and application of rules. Responds to and assists in resolving inquiries, complaints, and requests for information regarding eligibility; researches various platforms for additional information; refers customers and the public to related services and programs for financial, social, educational, residence, or other assistance.
• Enters and updates case/customer information within the automated computer system. Maintains inquiry-level access in multiple State and County computer systems for basic case information as necessary. Complex data entry through multiple County and State computer systems requiring detailed, specific, and multiple program knowledge with complete independence. Interprets and evaluates computer-generated data to determine accuracy and application to individual case processing; manually tracks and manages cases when the computer system would not accept information.
• Gathers, assembles, and reviews information from applicants and recipients regarding financial and non-financial. Establishes and maintains case files; prepares necessary documentation to initiate, continue, and modify public assistance; plans and organizes workload to ensure that necessary work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness.
• Verifies information by direct contact, collateral contacts, phone contacts, and system interfaces. Interviews customers to obtain detailed case information and request supporting documentation from customers as necessary.
• Informs applicants/recipients of the relevant requirements and benefits of the program for which they have eligibility; assists applicants with completing forms; secures documents; notifies applicants of appeal rights and procedures in response to notices generated by the computer with complete independence. Approves/denies applicants based upon review of case information, in accordance with program rules and regulations.
• Maintains a caseload of highly confidential cases.
• Participates in various committees and boards related to program activities and responsibilities. Coordinates and attends community outreach events for all program areas. Develops outreach plans and incentive programs.
• Provides administrative support for assigned programs including, but not limited to, maintaining records, and verifying accuracy of records.
• Prepares case information required for testimony and serves as a representative at County and state evidentiary hearings or appeals; testifies as necessary.
• May be required to work mandatory overtime.
• May be required to work alternate schedules and in other Pueblo County locations.
• May required to fill in for manager in their absence.

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalency required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of two (2) years or more administrative support experience or related clerical work required.
• Minimum of four (4) years or more experience performing as an Eligibility Specialist required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Supervisory experience preferred or the completion of Supervisory Curriculum within 6 months of hire preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES:

• Valid driver’s license at the time of application and a valid Colorado driver’s license at time of hire required.

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual
• Remote & Hybrid working opportunities
• County Retirement Program
• Autonomy to grow and find your career path with supportive leadership
• Truly inclusive and diverse environment
• Fitness Center (Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building)
• 4-week Paid Parental Leave Benefit