DHS - Eligibility Specialist I

Under direct supervision, applies rules, regulations, and procedures to determine eligibility for public assistance programs for families and/or adults in the Medicaid and/or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP also known as food assistance) program areas of the Department of Human Services.

Supervisor: Shelli Gonzales
Unit: Ongoing

*** Pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, members of the DHS Bargaining Unit will be given hiring preference.

• Gathers, assembles, and reviews information from applicants and recipients regarding financial and non-financial criteria relevant to initial or continued eligibility.  Establishes and maintains case files; prepares necessary documentation to initiate, continue, and modify public assistance; plans and organizes caseload to ensure that necessary work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness.
• Verifies information by direct contact, collateral contacts, phone contacts, and system interfaces.  Interviews customers to obtain general case information and requests supporting documentation from customers as necessary. Enters and updates case/customer information within the automated computer system. Keeps customers informed of changes in laws or regulations that affect them.
• Informs applicants/recipients of the relevant requirements and benefits of the program for which they have eligibility; assists applicants with completing forms; secures documents; notifies applicants of appeal rights and procedures in response to notices generated by the computer under low independence.  Approves/denies applicants based upon review of case information, in accordance with program rules and regulations under frequent case checks as performed by trainer, lead and/or manager.
• Complex data entry through multiple County and State computer systems requires detailed, specific program knowledge with low independence.  Maintains inquiry-level access in multiple State and County computer systems for basic case information as necessary.
• Provides administrative support for assigned programs including, but not limited to, maintaining records, and verifying the accuracy of records.
• Partners with service providers and other agencies to achieve positive outcomes for customers.
• Prepares documentation and cases for presentation in court hearings and serves as a representative at county and state evidentiary hearings or appeals; testifies as necessary.
• Determines the need for recovery of funds or referral for fraud investigation and completes reports to the proper investigative resource in cases of suspected fraud.
• Assists co-workers as necessary.
• Attend outreach events as needed.
• May be required to work mandatory overtime.
• May be required to work alternate schedules and in other Pueblo County locations.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of two (2) years or more of administrative support experience or related clerical work required.

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual
• Remote & Hybrid working opportunities
• County Retirement Program
• Autonomy to grow and find your career path with supportive leadership
• Truly inclusive and diverse environment
• Fitness Center (Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building)
• May be eligible for up to 12-week Paid Parental Leave Benefits (full-time employees)