Eligibility Technician

Bent County Development Foundation; Las Animas (CO); On-site; USD 36,509 - 43,731; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full County Benefit package

Job summary

Bent County Development Foundation is seeking a knowledgeable Social Services Specialist in Las Animas, Colorado. The role involves determining eligibility for various state-funded programs and assisting clients with their applications.

The ideal candidate should have at least three years of experience in social services and hold an associate’s degree. A valid Colorado driver’s license and background check are also required. This full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience working in Social Services programs.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Background check (local records).
• Pre-employment drug test.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for federal and state-funded programs.
• Assist applicants in completing forms and securing verifications.
• Provide counseling and clarify appeal rights.
• Maintain accurate data entry in the system.
• Work with clients in crisis situations.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication

Problem-solving ability

Strong time-management skills

Ability to work independently

Record maintenance

Education

Associate’s degree in a related field

Job description

Job Summary

This position is responsible for determining initial and ongoing eligibility for multiple federal and state‑funded programs, including Old Age Pension (OAP), Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND), Aid to the Blind (AB), Home Care Allowance (HCA), adult medical programs, and Food Assistance. The role also covers Medicaid, Long‑Term Care, Medicare Savings Programs, and provides services to the Colorado supplement to SSL.

Responsibilities

• Make initial contact with applicants seeking financial, medical, food assistance, and Medicare Savings Programs.
• Receive, review, and interview applications for public assistance programs.
• Provide counseling, assist applicants in completing forms, and secure verification of eligibility factors such as income, resources, identity, age, citizenship, residence, social security number, disability, level of care requirement, expenses, and third‑party resources.
• Clarify and interpret appeal rights and procedures to the client.
• Determine initial and continued eligibility by interpreting rules, regulations, and policies for each program area.
• Assess needs, interpret programs, and refer clients to appropriate services (child support, foster care, mental health, job services, etc.).
• Maintain accurate, complete data entry in the computer system daily.
• Assist in training new employees and approving cases.
• Assist with eligibility determinations on difficult cases, interpret new rules and explain them to clients.
• Determine need to recover funds, refer cases for fraud investigations, prepare for evidentiary conferences and state hearings, and handle recoveries and retroactive payments.
• Interpret and prepare legal forms to establish income trusts, assess resources, and facilitate asset transfers per regulations.
• Complete paperwork for interim assistance procedures (SSI lump sum, change of category, retros, reimbursements).
• Work daily aging report for EBT and use the EBT system to respond to client and provider inquiries.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Three years of experience working in Social Services programs.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Background check (local records). Pre‑employment drug test.
• Willingly work overnight trips, nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.
• Subject to passing a written exam and/or oral board.

Skills and Abilities

• Effective verbal and written communication with staff, directors, clients, and other agencies.
• Ability to make appropriate decisions and solve problems.
• Strong time‑management skills and ability to work independently.
• Maintain accurate records and perform under stressful situations.

Working Conditions

Most work is conducted in a standard office environment. Employees may be required to sit for extended periods, stand and walk occasionally, and lift or move heavy files or objects up to 25 pounds. Frequent use of hands and arms for reading or computer work is required. The position involves working with clients in crisis and potentially threatening situations.

Compensation: $3,595.00 per month.

Full‑time position. Full County Benefit package.