ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST II - 60069181

Florida; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Department of Children and Families in Ocala seeks an Eligibility Specialist II to determine initial and continued eligibility for public assistance programs. You will conduct interviews, review documentation, and ensure timely processing within federal and state deadlines.

The role includes mentoring staff, participating in quality reviews, and guiding applicants and providers through the eligibility process. Strong attention to detail and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public assistance program objectives and policies.
• Ability to conduct fact-finding interviews; accurately prepare and maintain records.
• Experience reviewing data from quality control and monitoring sources.

Responsibilities

• Determine initial and continued eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Conduct interviews to obtain required information from applicants and household members.
• Review and update electronic case records; maintain thorough documentation.
• Mentor staff and participate in quality management reviews and training.

Skills

Eligibility knowledge

Interviewing

Communication

Mentoring

Time management

Data entry

Job description

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The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website .

Requisition No:885190

Agency: Children and Families

Working Title: ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST II - 60069181

This position is in Admin 88122 - ACCESS in Ocala Service Center – Ocala, FL

Nesting/Generic Unit – Class Title: Economic Self-Sufficiency Eligibility Specialist II

The primary function of an Economic Self Sufficiency Specialist II (ESSII) is determining eligibility for public assistance programs which includes but is not limited to reviewing cases during the various processes in the service delivery model, performing case reviews for unit employees and giving feedback to strengthen accuracy rates, and providing training or mentoring for staff. The work
performed includes processing of a broad range of paperwork and entering information into a computer-based eligibility system with very time sensitive Federal, State, Agency, and Legal deadlines.

Performs quality management system reviews as assigned. Reviews case reading errors with the Eligibility Self Sufficiency Specialist I; ensure corrections are completed accurately and timely. Reviews and analyzes data from quality control and all monitoring sources and provides training in the areas in which problems are identified. Conducts mentoring sessions with staff to support performance improvement. Assist the supervisor in handling and resolving internal and external customer inquiries and complaints; follow established office procedures which may include updating and maintaining tracking mechanisms. Determine eligibility for special or error prone or complex cases. Follows established intake and processing procedures to determine initial and
continued eligibility for public assistance benefits within designated time frames as required by Federal and State laws, and Department policy and procedures. Conducts interviews to ensure required information has been obtained on the applicant/recipient, and their household members for all public assistance programs. Reviews existing information when available, initiates telephone contacts when necessary to validate information or respond to customer inquiries. Requests all additional information/verification required to establish or continue eligibility for public assistance programs. Identifies cases of possible fraud and/or overpayment; makes appropriate referrals to fraud and overpayment departments. Ensures electronic case records are documented thoroughly and properly as required by Departmental procedures. Takes appropriate corrective action on identified errors through the quality management system, management evaluation reviews, and quality control reviews. Answer general telephone inquiries and exchanges information with other agencies and Department staff. Assist customers with referrals to other agencies and community resources. Assists customers and providers with questions or concerns pertaining to eligibility.

Maintains and develops professional knowledge and skills by participating in supervisory performance conferences, staff meetings, mandatory training, and workshops as assigned or required.

Performs special work assignments and other related work/duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position: Knowledge of public assistance program objectives and policies; problem-solving techniques; training principles and practices; goal setting techniques; arithmetic. Skill in operating a personal computer. Ability to conduct fact-finding interviews; accurately prepare and maintain records and reports; work with a diverse range of people; adapt to change; deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations; compose documents or correspondence involving technical information; complex arithmetic operations; interpret and apply regulatory materials; prioritize and meet deadlines; establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate effectively orally; apply ethical business practices.

It is the policy of the Florida Department of Children and Families that any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and, if applicable, also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., and Chapter 408, F.S. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency. Background screening should include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for State and Federal criminal records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include local criminalhistory checks through local law enforcement agencies.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes,candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here . All documentation is due to the closure of the vacancy announcement.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes,candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.