Health & Human Services Specialist

Responsible for the processing of claims/payments of state mandated programs related to health & human services.  This position will involve extensive contact and work with the public, state, non-profit and for-profit personnel in receiving, processing, evaluating, and advocating upon requests for state mandated and local health & human services utilizing all possible resources.The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

• Reviews and processes applications, claims, payments, and reports for all state mandated programs, grants and local programs. 
• Reviews and processes applications and payments for the County Emergency Prescription Medication Program for Indigent Residents or residents in need in adherence with County guidelines. Research available resources to assist residents with low-cost medications, i.e. IDP and/or PAP forms, discount prescription card, reimbursement programs, and others.
• Receives and answers requests for assistance by telephone, written correspondence and in person from the public concerning various health & human services and resources available to County residents. 
• Screens potential clients for eligibility into other federal, state and or local programs and services utilizing interviewing skills and various program eligibility criteria. 
• Reviews and processes other request for assistance from the public to include locating and selecting other appropriate resources, advocating on behalf of the public for service and assistance, to appropriate agencies, programs and/or organizations, and work to resolve health & human service needs.  
• Maintains manual and electronic records and files on all local, state mandated programs, client assistance requests, assists with updates to the monthly newsletter and related publications and all other work-related issues. 
• Research other funding sources and alternate avenues of assistance.  
• Gathers information and coordinate eligibility verification with other local and state departmental units and non-profit agencies whenever possible. 
• Assist with grant implementation, reporting, monitoring and oversight. 
• Performs other reasonable related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management personnel.

Emergency Response 
County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description. Employees may request an exemption from this requirement by submitting the appropriate exemption form, subject to review and approval.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited two-year college with a degree in social/human services or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in health & human services and/or social services field. 
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of health & social/human services programs.

A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County's discretion.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida and be insurable by current insurance carrier, or valid Florida Identification Card is acceptable only for positions not required to drive a county vehicle.
• Must have or be able to obtain certification within three (3) months of employment in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses:
  • IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)
  • IS-200.b: ICS for Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents
  • IS-700.b: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to all state mandated programs, successfully pass and maintain all certifications and trainings for all programs of the departments. 
• This position may be subject to the Hepatis B Vaccine and other vaccinations as necessary.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Requires sitting most of the day.
• The job involves frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 20 pounds.
• The job requires frequent bending, twisting, and occasional squatting, climbing, kneeling, and balancing.
• The job requires the completion of tasks that involve simple grasping, pushing, pulling, fine manual manipulation, and typing.
• The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay Grade: 6
Salary Disclosure: Pay rates are based on policy, education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Hernando County BOCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PLEASE REVIEW THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ON POSTING AND COMMUNICATE HOW YOU MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION/RESUME. MINIMUM REQUIEMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED.
All applications will be carefully reviewed to evaluate qualifications and overall suitability for the position. The relevance, scope, and length of related work experience, training, and education outlined in the application and resume will be considered during the screening process. Selected applicants will be contacted to participate in interviews. Candidates are encouraged to clearly document all pertinent experience, including relevant knowledge, skills, or abilities gained outside of traditional employment, in the additional information section of the application.

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.
 
Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. 
 
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.