Eligibility Specialist

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Job Title:

Eligibility Specialist Department:

Health and Human Services Pay Grade:

64

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt Schedule:

8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday

AGENCY MISSION, YOUR MISSION

Haywood County Health and Human Services' mission is to enhance the health, safety, and full potential of our community. In the Economic Services Division, you would serve as a conduit for Haywood County citizens' access to economic and financial supports. All members of our team must uphold the confidentiality of Haywood County's citizens, safeguarding their privacy and dignity at all times.

JOB SUMMARY

General Statement of Duties:

Performs intermediate human support work involving determination of eligibility for social service public assistance programs, collaborating with community service providers to meet the needs of clients, preparing and maintaining files and records, and preparing reports. Distinguishing Features of the

Class:

Assists clients who are in need of public assistance programs and services such as transportation, Work First, and Food Nutrition, Medicaid, Energy Assistance Programs, etc. Work involves receiving and processing applications for public assistance in accordance with established rules, regulations, and procedures including interviewing applicants to determine eligibility, making referrals, coordinating with outside community agencies for the provision of assistance and services, and interpreting policies and procedures. Work is performed under the supervision of the Program Supervisor and is evaluated by a review of records, reports, discussions, client feedback, and by observation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assesses and evaluated applications and/or rec-certifications for eligibility or continued eligibility. Perform case management activity and react to changes in circumstance. Communicate effectively in both verbal and written format with applicants, beneficiaries, and the public regarding programs and services. Work extensively in the NC FAST computer system. Utilize appropriate manual and other resources in performing all functions. Represent the Agency and present testimony for appeals at both local and State hearings. Attend training provided by Regional, State, or County staff. Employees are required to maintain compliance with all State and Federal laws and program requirements including but not limited to confidentiality laws (HIPAA, Juvenile Code, PII, etc.). Employees are expected to adhere to Agency, Countywide and Departmental policies and procedures regarding information security and confidentiality, and to report any suspected unauthorized disclosure or loss of information immediately. Employees must ensure security of all County data, equipment, and information in both electronic and paper form that is accessed as part of job duties to minimize risk of improper disclosure or data breach. Emergency Response, including but not limited to support of the Federally mandated and State statutory responsibilities including, but not limited to Public Health and Mass Care duties. If a Disaster Assistance Program for Food and Nutrition Services (D-SNAP) is mandated, the worker would be expected to be available. Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

Graduation from high school or equivalent program One year of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker; An equivalent combination of training and experience. Must be at least twenty-one years of age to drive a County vehicle. Valid state driver's license. Must have no more than three (3) points showing on current DMV records in order to operate county vehicles.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of program area(s) of assignment. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret rules, policies, and procedures. Ability to communicate well in written and oral format. Skill to use a variety of office equipment, computers, and software. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively with other employees and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Requires sedentary work that involves sitting or standing virtually all of the time and may involve exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force occasionally to move objects, or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving repetitive motions and the use of standard office equipment. The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities, depth and texture perception, and color perception.

Work Schedule:

Typical work hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., however an alternate work schedule (40 hours per week) may be considered upon request. Supervisor must pre-approve any overtime. In cases of a community emergency or disaster, the worker will be required to be available to work in an emergency response, and the hours worked in emergency response could vary from hours worked in the office.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Nature of Working Conditions - Employees are frequently subject to working with agitated clients, heavy workloads, and compressed time frames. Generally physical harm is unlikely on an ongoing basis.

EMPLOYER BENEFITS PACKAGE

Employer paid Health & Dental Coverage Participation in the NC Retirement System 401(k) and 457(b) plans available Employer paid Life Insurance Competitive Vision Insurance Annual Performance Pay Increases Vacation, Personal, and Sick Leave Free Employee Assistance Network Free Employee Wellness Clinic Discounted Gym Membership Paid Holidays Longevity Pay Haywood County has the right to revise this position description at any time and does not represent in any way a contract of employment. Haywood County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$39,624.33 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person