Human Services Eligibility Manager

La Plata County, CO; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

La Plata County seeks a qualified leader to manage the Eligibility Division, overseeing the assessment and determination of client eligibility for public assistance programs and supervising staff across several levels of eligibility technicians.

The role requires strong knowledge of Colorado rules, crisis response experience, and the ability to coordinate with partner agencies to improve service delivery while ensuring compliance with state and county policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Social Work, Psychology or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible related experience; or
• Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes and supervises employees in the day-to-day operations of the Eligibility Division; supervises overall work performance and daily activities of employees; provides training and review of work; interviews and makes hiring decisions; conducts performance appraisals and related management actions.
• Plans long-range goals and objectives for the division.
• Provides information, advice, feedback, or assistance to others within the department to refine work outputs or resolve problems.
• Collaborates with community agencies to share information and to provide services and benefits to eligible individuals in an efficient manner.
• Monitors monthly, weekly, and daily distribution of work to insure state required timeliness as well as county level goals are met.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or related field

Five years of progressively responsible related experience

Combination of education, training and experience

Job description

Join our innovative and dynamic team! This position manages and provides support for state and federal programs, including SNAP, Medical Assistance, Colorado Works, Adult Financial, and CCCAP. Must have knowledge of Colorado rules and regulations related to public assistance programs & recent experience in CBMS. Experience in personnel management, developing & implementing procedures based on laws, rules, & policies, and responding to crisis situations preferred. Job duties include supporting new and experienced eligibility technicians, collaborating with other unit managers and trainers, completing thorough case reviews, and monitoring and enforcing state deadlines. Flexibility, ability to multitask, excellent time management and computer skills are required.

This position plans, organizes and manages the day-to-day operations of the Eligibility Division, comprised of several levels of eligibility technicians with responsibility for assessing and determining eligibility of clients for various human services programs as well as monitoring clients completing work-force activities, a training unit, and a claims/fraud unit; participates in preparation of annual budget for division; prepares reports on division activities; develops and implements revisions to programs offered based on new or revised rules, laws or regulations; collaborates with outside agencies to enhance delivery of services to clients.

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.

Plans, organizes and supervises employees in the day-to-day operations of the Eligibility Division; supervises overall work performance and daily activities of employees; provides training and review of work; interviews and makes hiring decisions; conducts performance appraisals and related management actions.

Plans long-range goals and objectives for the division.

Provides information, advice, feedback, or assistance to others within the department to refine work outputs or resolve problems.

Collaborates with community agencies to share information and to provide services and benefits to eligible individuals in an efficient manner.

Monitors monthly, weekly, and daily distribution of work to insure state required timeliness as well as county level goals are met.

Monitors case load distribution, work activities, monthly federal participation rate, and makes recommendations for changes when needed.

Authorizes cash payments to clients, supportive services monies and diversion grants.

Ensures that work is in compliance with all state and county rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Keeps current on new and revised federal, state and county policies and procedures; develops and implements changes as needed to ensure division is following most recent requirements.

Schedules meetings with other department members to exchange information on issues of concern to the entire department and to coordinate services and functions of the agency.

Participates in annual budget preparation; provides recommendations regarding division needs.

Maintains records and files; prepares statistical and other reports as required.

Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:

• Computer(s)
• General Office Equipment
• Calculator
• Copier
• Printer
• Shredder

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Social Work, Psychology or a related field; and,
• Five years of progressively responsible related experience; 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:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
• Administration of staff and activities, either directly or through subordinate supervision.
• Budgetary principles and practices.
• Community resources available to assist clients.
• Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Policies, procedures, philosophies, rules and regulations governing the services to clients.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.

Skill in:

• Using interviewing techniques.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Organizing work, 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 a computer to accurately and rapidly enter and retrieve data and information.
• Using mathematics.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff.
• Selecting and motivating staff and providing for their training and professional development.

Ability to:

• Ability to respond to each client with empathy and respect.
• Ability to de-escalate and manage crisis situations.
• 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.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop appropriate solutions.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.

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]