Eligibility Specialist II – Food & Nutrition Services (Bilingual Preferred)

Catawba County Government; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual extra duty pay

Job summary

Catawba County Social Services is seeking an Eligibility Specialist II for the Food & Nutrition Services team to determine and maintain benefits for eligible individuals and families. You will verify information, manage redeterminations, and ensure timelines are met within county, state, and federal rules.

The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, the ability to handle sensitive data, and a commitment to serving the community.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in income maintenance eligibility in a Department of Social Services.
• Trainees may be accepted. Trainee pay is $44,366.96 per year.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants to determine eligibility for Food & Nutrition Services benefits.
• Collect, verify, and analyze information from employers, landlords, financial institutions, and state systems to certify households for benefits.
• Manage an ongoing caseload, including redeterminations, changes in income or household composition, and other case updates.
• Educate clients on budgeting, benefit calculation, and reporting changes to avoid overpayment or fraud.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies; refer suspected errors to the Program Integrity unit as needed.
• Coordinate with other departments and agencies to ensure continuity of services.
• Offer voter registration opportunities and issue Fishing License Waivers as required.
• Refer applicants and recipients to additional community resources as appropriate.
• Participate in public outreach to promote awareness of the Food & Nutrition Services program.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and security of sensitive information.

Skills

Multitasking

Analytical thinking

Policy interpretation

Communication

Computer skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Professionalism

Education

Associate’s degree in Human Services

High school diploma or GED + 3 years public contact incl. interviewing and data gathering + 1 year IMC experience

Job description

Catawba County Social Services is seeking a detail-oriented and compassionate Eligibility Specialist II to join our Food & Nutrition Services team. This position plays a vital role in determining and maintaining eligibility for individuals and families seeking food assistance, ensuring benefits are calculated accurately and delivered within strict county, state, and federal deadlines.

Additional Information

• Salary is negotiable for applicants who are fully qualified.(1 year or more of Income Maintenance experience in Medicaid or Food and Nutrition Services eligibility)
• Applicants must possess 1 year of experience in income maintenance eligibility (IMC) in a Department of Social Services in order to be fully qualified. However, trainees may be accepted. Trainee pay is $44,366.96 per year.

• Interview applicants and existing clients to gather information needed to determine eligibility for Food & Nutrition Services benefits
• Collect, verify, and analyze information from a variety of sources (employers, landlords, financial institutions, other agencies, and state systems) to certify households for benefits
• Manage an ongoing caseload, including redeterminations, changes in income or household composition, and other case updates
• Educate clients on the budgeting process, benefit calculation, and their rights and responsibilities, including how to report changes to avoid overpayment or fraud
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies, and refer suspected agency or client errors to the Program Integrity unit as needed
• Coordinate with other departments and agencies to ensure continuity of services and respond to reported changes
• Offer voter registration opportunities and issue Fishing License Waivers as required
• Refer applicants and recipients to additional community resources as appropriate
• Participate in public outreach efforts to promote awareness of the Food & Nutrition Services program
• Maintain strict confidentiality and security of sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, employment data, and medical records

• Associate’s degree in Human Services, Business, or a closely related field and 1 year of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker; OR
• High school diploma or GED equivalent and 3 years of demonstrated experience with mathematical work and/or public contact involving interviewing, gathering, and compiling information, and 1 year of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker

• Ability to multitask and exercise sound, practical judgment in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures to a wide range of individual situations
• Ability to clearly explain complex program requirements to clients with varying levels of understanding
• Excellent computer, time management, and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure when working with irate or distressed individuals
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with employers, landlords, community colleges, other agencies, and the public
• Commitment to treating all citizens with dignity and respect in every interaction

Preferences

• Applicants with bilingual ability (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply. Bilingual extra duty pay is provided.