SNAP Compliance Auditor.

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work arrangements

Flexible schedules

Excellent benefits

Job summary

Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is seeking a Quality Assurance Auditor for the Public Assistance Quality Assurance unit. The role audits SNAP cases, ensures compliance with federal/state rules, and provides training to staff and counties.

Responsibilities include field investigations, case file evaluation, and corrective action planning to reduce errors and improve program delivery. Hybrid work arrangement offered, with some in-office requirements.

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of experience in Social Services, Human Services, SNAP or related fields with at least two (2) years determining SNAP eligibility and payments.

Responsibilities

• Independently audits agency actions and conducts home interviews to determine eligibility and payment accuracy.
• Evaluates data validity across CBMS Colorado and related systems; drafts comprehensive audit reports.
• Performs corrective action planning with counties to reduce errors and improve processes.
• Assists in training staff and presenting findings to state and county partners.

Job description

Department Information

This position is open to current Colorado residents only

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Work Unit

The Public Assistance Quality Assurance (PAQA) unit exists to:

• Administer the federally mandated state “Quality Control System” that enhances payment accuracy and improve program administration including measuring program accuracy, assessment and resolution of potential liabilities, policy development, and formulating improvement plans;
• Provide independent third-party review and quality improvement processes for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) including case file audits, data collection, analysis and reporting on findings, providing technical and compliance training to county workers, assess and measure county adherence to state and federal regulations; and
• Create strong partnerships with state and county staff to provide additional services such as non-quality assurance case reviews and consulting, risk analysis, and recommendations for reduction or elimination of timeliness, eligibility and payment errors.

Description Of Job

HYBRID POSITION

3 days remote, 2 days in office

Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change

About This Position

The position exists to satisfy the requirements of the federally mandated management program by auditing a statistically valid, integrated sample of SNAP cases and to ensure that the state plan, policies and procedures comply with federal regulations and approved waivers. These reviews often include technical issues that require the resolution of compliance problems and reconciliation of divergent viewpoints. Provide continuous data to the federal, state and county agencies on frequency, magnitude and sources of non-compliance. Analyze both program performance and client services; directly advise state and/or county administrators of areas of risk and formulate improvement plans for eligibility and payment accuracy critically necessary to prevent errors and achieve program compliance. Provide technical and compliance training.

Field Investigation

Independently audits agency actions and investigates selected households by interviewing recipients in their homes (including federally required travel to and from the recipient’s home to complete a face-to-face interview), accessing databases and contacting a wide range of third-party sources to determine correctness of eligibility and/or payment. Audits/investigates until the incumbent determines sufficient data has been obtained. Advises clients of potential eligibility for other public assistance programs administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services.

Case File Evaluation/Analysis And Reports

Evaluates validity of gathered data through a self-initiated determination; arrives at an accurate conclusion by researching federal and state regulations and federally mandated processes, and determines which federal, state or Quality Control (QC) regulations apply to each case. This task includes reviewing data located in a variety of computer systems and imaged documents with varying degrees of gray scale, color, or highlighted text.

Completes secondary peer reviews to ensure accuracy prior to informing federal, state and county agencies of the results of the audit.

Apprises federal, state and county agencies of the results of investigation and analysis, by compiling and submitting comprehensive written reports within federally mandated processes and timeframes. Directs county agencies to terminate or modify benefits. Confers with program administrators to resolve differences between QC conclusions and federal/state policy, representing, justifying and negotiating QC findings in federal and state arbitration hearings.

Correction Action Planning

Participates in corrective action planning as a result of audits of and rebuttals from counties and feedback from our federal partners. Identifies where and how the error occurred, provides technical assistance and advice regarding error reduction strategies, and participates in the development of processes to prevent similar errors in the future.

Other Duties As Assigned

This position may be called upon to provide coverage of duties for another staff person, requested to attend and participate in assorted conferences (i.e.; Colorado Welfare Fraud Council (CWFC) Conference, Social Services Technical and Business Staff (SSTABS) Conference), and requested to provide training to internal staff.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Six (6) years of experience in Social Services, Human Services, SNAP, clerical at a county, Medicaid, SSA, Rules and Regulations, Public Assistance, TANF, Adult Financial services or Cash Assistance with at least two (2) years of recent experience with determining SNAP initial and ongoing eligibility and payment including interviewing applicants to determine accurate household circumstances.

• The SNAP experience must include current working knowledge of SNAP program rules, policies, and processes, and experience with determining initial and ongoing eligibility and payment, and entering data in the CBMS in Colorado

Education And Experience

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in Social Services, Human Services, SNAP, clerical at a county, Medicaid, SSA, Rules and Regulations, Public Assistance, TANF, Adult Financial services or Cash Assistance equal to six (6) years with at least two (2) years of recent experience with determining SNAP initial and ongoing eligibility and payment including interviewing applicants to determine accurate household circumstances.

• The SNAP experience must include current working knowledge of SNAP program rules, policies, and processes, and experience with determining initial and ongoing eligibility and payment, and entering data in the CBMS in Colorado.

Preferred Qualifications

• More than 3 years of experience with SNAP eligibility and payment determination, as well as trouble shooting CBMS data entry and system issues; and
• Experience reviewing SNAP case files for eligibility and processing accuracy
• Experience providing comprehensive findings and recommendations for process and eligibility improvement.
• Spanish speaking preferred

Conditions of Employment

• Full background check and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Motor Vehicle Check , if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an on-going capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or an non-restricted U.S. Driver's License
• Position requires State-wide travel to interview SNAP clients in their homes, which may include high risk areas and exposure to potentially dangerous situations.
• Position requires training and process evaluation at local county offices of Human/Social Service;
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
• Disclose that information on the application.
• Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
• Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
• Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use \"see resume\" or \"see attached\".

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
• You can find the official appeal form here.
• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
• By email ([e-mail]), or
• Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or
• Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or
• Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact The State Personnel Board For Assistance

• At [phone], or
• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

About Us And Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
• Employee Wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program .

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.
• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail] .

EEO Statement

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.