Eligibility Specialist II – Food & Nutrition Services

Catawba County Social Services is seeking a detail-oriented and compassionate Eligibility Specialist II to join our Food & Nutrition Services team. This position plays a vital role in determining and maintaining eligibility for individuals and families seeking food assistance, ensuring benefits are calculated accurately and delivered within strict county, state, and federal deadlines.

• Salary is negotiable for applicants who are fully qualified. (1 year or more of Income Maintenance experience in Medicaid or Food and Nutrition Services eligibility)
• Applicants must possess 1 year of experience in income maintenance eligibility (IMC) in a Department of Social Services in order to be fully qualified. However, trainees may be accepted. Trainee pay is $44,366.96 per year.

• Interview applicants and existing clients to gather information needed to determine eligibility for Food & Nutrition Services benefits
• Collect, verify, and analyze information from a variety of sources (employers, landlords, financial institutions, other agencies, and state systems) to certify households for benefits
• Manage an ongoing caseload, including redeterminations, changes in income or household composition, and other case updates
• Educate clients on the budgeting process, benefit calculation, and their rights and responsibilities, including how to report changes to avoid overpayment or fraud
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies, and refer suspected agency or client errors to the Program Integrity unit as needed
• Coordinate with other departments and agencies to ensure continuity of services and respond to reported changes
• Offer voter registration opportunities and issue Fishing License Waivers as required
• Refer applicants and recipients to additional community resources as appropriate
• Participate in public outreach efforts to promote awareness of the Food & Nutrition Services program
• Maintain strict confidentiality and security of sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, employment data, and medical records

• Associate’s degree in Human Services, Business, or a closely related field and 1 year of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker; OR
• High school diploma or GED equivalent and 3 years of demonstrated experience with mathematical work and/or public contact involving interviewing, gathering, and compiling information, and 1 year of experience as an Income Maintenance Caseworker

• Ability to multitask and exercise sound, practical judgment in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures to a wide range of individual situations
• Ability to clearly explain complex program requirements to clients with varying levels of understanding
• Excellent computer, time management, and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure when working with irate or distressed individuals
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with employers, landlords, community colleges, other agencies, and the public
• Commitment to treating all citizens with dignity and respect in every interaction