Eligibility Technician I

La Plata County, CO; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

La Plata County in Durango, CO seeks an entry-level Eligibility Specialist to interview applicants, assess needs, determine eligibility for food assistance, Medicaid, child care and cash benefits, and document case histories.

You will perform data entry in CBMS and related systems, explain program requirements, refer clients to community resources, and maintain accurate records with professional judgment under supervision.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED; two years of data entry or clerical work.
• Ability to interpret regulations and eligibility rules.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants and assess needs to determine eligibility for multiple programs.
• Process new applications and ongoing casework with accurate documentation.
• Enter and retrieve data across computer systems, and maintain case histories.
• Refer clients to community resources and explain program requirements.
• Maintain compliance with rules and provide timely referrals and reporting.

Skills

Interviewing techniques

Verbal communication

Written communication

Data entry

Time management

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Microsoft Outlook

Laserfiche

CBMS

Education

High School diploma or GED

2 years clerical or data entry experience

Combination of education, training and experience

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Laserfiche

CBMS (Colorado Benefit Management System)

Job description

Serve our community by connecting people to stabilization services - food, medical, cash and childcare benefits. Need self-motivated person to do interviews, process applications and direct people to additional support services. Extensive data entry with excellent computer, verbal and written skills required. Entry level position that assesses needs and verifies eligibility of clients for various human services programs such as food assistance, Medicaid, child care, cash benefits, and others; requires frequent use of professional judgment in interpreting conflicting rules and policy; requires knowledge of eligibility rules & regulations for the many assistance programs; extensive data entry and use of a data management system; interviews applicants and advises them of resources available; accurately documents and completes referrals both internally and to community agencies; documents all client interactions and casework clearly and concisely. Receives close oversight from the training and supervisory team.

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

Successfully completes initial required training as assigned by the hiring manager. Attends all ongoing training assigned by state partners and county administrators.

Independently navigates county and state computer and data systems including but not limited to Microsoft Outlook, Laserfiche, & the Colorado Benefit Management System (CBMS).

Interprets and accurately applies regulations in determining eligibility for assigned program(s); informs clients of changes in the law or regulations which affect their continuing eligibility and/or the amount of their benefit.

Demonstrates development of appropriate written and verbal communication skills needed to communicate with applicants and community or state partners.

Reviews and accurately interprets data provided by various data interfaces including but not limited to CDLS, The Work Number, IEVS, SVES, NDNH, PARIS, DRS/FA, EBT Edge.

Using one data management system for data entry, creates an accurate case history in order to determine eligibility for many different eligibility programs. Enters, retrieves and analyzes data as gathered from computer generated interfaces as well as data collected by client report.

Processes new applications and ongoing casework; meets minimum processing standards; conducts in-depth, interactive and motivational interviews with clients; assesses needs and determines eligibility for assigned program(s); reviews relevant information supplied by client; using analytical thinking and deductive reasoning, clarifies and/or verifies information provided as needed.

Meets acceptable accuracy benchmarks. Demonstrates proficiency in processing accurate and timely determinations.

Demonstrates familiarity in client appeal rights, client rights and responsibilities, as well as the requirement to cooperate with Quality Assurance reviews.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Multiple computer monitors, scanning equipment, FAX, copier, e-Mail, calculator, other general office equipment

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or GED; and,

Two years of progressively responsible clerical or data entry work; or

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

None

Knowledge of:

Recordkeeping and/or case documentation

Community resources available to assist clients.

Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.

All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.

Skill in:

Interviewing techniques.

Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.

Preparing clear and concise reports of contact, correspondence and other written materials.

Time management, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.

Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.

Using multiple monitors and programs to accurately and rapidly enter and retrieve data and information.

Using mathematics.

Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to:

Ability to respond to each client with empathy and respect.

Ability to tolerate a high level of ambiguity when rules contradict each other and when a household situation does not fit within the regulations.

Ability to integrate information learned in one situation to apply it to similar situations when they arise.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Non-Discrimination and EEO Statement

La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.

La Plata County is an equal opportunity employer and assures equal employment opportunities for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans. Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.

Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:

Director of Human Resources

1101 E 2nd Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]