Eligibility/Case Management Worker - ZECDC (Open Until Filled)

Ashiwi; Zuni Pueblo (NM); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

ZECDC is seeking an Eligibility/Case Management Worker in New Mexico to provide comprehensive case management for cash assistance participants. This role conducts eligibility interviews, maintains TAS records, and coordinates referrals to employment and community resources.

Strong attention to accuracy and data management is essential. The position requires the ability to communicate in English and Zuni, maintain confidentiality, and work under supervision to support self-sufficiency goals for

Qualifications

• Knowledge of TANF, cash assistance, and related programs.
• Ability to conduct interviews and maintain accurate case files.
• Familiarity with TAS database and reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct eligibility interviews and determine cash assistance eligibility.
• Maintain and update TAS case files and narratives.
• Coordinate services and refer participants to employment, training and community resources.

Skills

Case management

Interviewing

Data entry

Customer service

English

Zuni language

Driving

Education

Associate degree in Human Services

High school diploma with related coursework

Tools

TAS database

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

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ELIGIBILITY/CASE MANAGEMENT WORKER

FT/REGULAR

NE - LEVEL 6

SALARY: $17.03

GENERAL DEFINITION

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide effective and efficient case management services to applicants and participants, including eligibility interviews and benefit authorization, service planning and referrals to employment, training, and community resources in support of program goals.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the supervision of the ZECDC Case Mgmt/Support Service Coordinator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Volunteers and/or Interns.

DUTIES

Provides comprehensive case management and support to ZECDC Cash Assistance participants and to the Zuni community members.

• Conducts comprehensive assessments and eligibility interviews to identify participant needs, determine eligibility for cash assistance services, and complete or update ZECDC intake, records as required.
• Coordinates participant services by conducting interviews, maintaining accurate case documentation, and referring individuals to appropriate and supportive services, including Child Support, S.N.A.P. and other community resources, in accordance with established timeliness standards.
• Informs participants of available programs, work activity requirements and regulations.
• Educates participants on their rights, responsibilities and program expectations as recipients of cash assistance benefits.
• Provides information and referrals related to employment opportunities, education programs, job training, and other community resources that promote self-sufficiency.
• Monitors, verifies and documents work participation agreements, compliance, and performance through case files and TAS database.
• Assist eligible participants in developing, implementing, and maintaining a self-sufficiency plan (SSP) that supports educational, employment, and training goals; guides participants in establishing realistic and measurable short-term, intermediate and long term goals to achieve self-sufficiency.

Maintains the validity of participant eligibility and benefit authorization by conducting eligibility reviews and re-certification.

• Ensures participant eligibility and benefit accuracy through ongoing reviews, recertifications, and case management.
• Reviews information obtained during the initial eligibility determination process including household composition, and other pertinent data, and accurately enters, updates, and maintains participant records in the Tribal Assistance System (TAS) database.
• Identifies and investigates questionable, incomplete or inconsistent information through participant interviews, collateral contacts, and other verification sources, resolves discrepancies to ensure program integrity and prevent fraud, misuse or improper receipt of program benefits.
• Determines participant eligibility and cash assistance benefit amounts in consultation with and under the guidance of the Case Management/Support Services Coordinator.
• Prepares and maintains detailed case narratives, eligibility determinations, and supporting documentation for participant case files and TAS database.
• Provides timely and responsive customer service by processing applications, re-certifications, and reported changes accurately in compliance with established policies, procedures and program timelines.
• Request and reviews medical, social and other required documentation from external agencies including I.H.S. and related service providers to support eligibility determinations.

Assists in providing participant support services and implementing program activities.

• Coordinates volunteer worksite placements, assigns participants to appropriate volunteer assignments and monitors participant to ensure compliance with program related requirements and established timelines.
• Monitors participant progress toward goals identified in their SSP, provide ongoing guidance and support, and update plans every three (3) to six (6) months.
• Facilitates and assists with program orientation, workshops, training sessions and other activities designed to support overall ZECDC participant success.
• Conducts follow-up contacts, evaluations, and assessments of participant circumstances, including income, household composition, and other eligibility factors through announced and unannounced home visits as appropriate.
• Plans, organizes and coordinates ZECDC program events and activities, including workshops, family fun nights, student incentive programs, conferences, job shadowing and in-school work experience opportunities.
• Provides participant support services, monitors program compliance and progress, and coordinates activities that promote participant engagement, skill development, and self-sufficiency.

Maintains accurate participant records, assists with data management functions.

• Enters and updates participant and dependent information into Tribal Assistance System (TAS) on a monthly basis and as needed to maintain accurate records.
• Assists in the preparation of the Federal TANF Data Report by reviewing, verifying, and editing the report on a quarterly basis.
• Reviews and audits data entries on a regular basis to maintain date integrity and ensure completeness of participant records.

Performs other duties as assigned or delegated by the supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of federal TANF, Cash Assistance, and related public assistance program policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements. Knowledge of community resources available to participants and families. Knowledge of tribal organization policies and procedures. Skilled in conducting interviews. Skilled in maintaining accurate records, case files, and electronic databases. Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively in English and Zuni. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Must have a high degree of skill in writing, interview, assessment, counseling, and motivational techniques Must have knowledge of case management procedures and maintenance of records and documents. Ability to self-motivate and demonstrate initiative. Ability to operate various computer programs (MS Word, Excel, Power point etc.) Knowledge of the Zuni culture and family structure. Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines. Ability to communicate and follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to exercise courtesy and tact in handling difficult situations in a confidential setting. Good public speaking skills in Zuni and English. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, tribal employees, outside agencies, and the general public.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Associate Degree in Human Services or a related field and two (2) years of work experience in case management, eligibility determination workforce development or a related field OR High School Diploma or GED with post secondary related classes and three (3) years of work experience in case management, eligibility determination, or a related field.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES

Must possess a valid New Mexico Driver’s license with no DWI/DUI convictions within the past three (3) years. Driving is an essential part of the duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Position is subject to Pre-Employment drug testing. Position is Safety Sensitive and will be subject to random drug screening for duration of employment. Must successfully pass a thorough background check and FBI Fingerprint Check. Work is performed in an office setting. Extensive travel is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.