Eligibility Specialist II – Food & Nutrition Services (Bilingual Preferred)
Catawba County
·2 days ago
- Salary
- $47k – $58k/yr
- Location
- Hickory, NC, NC
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Retail
- Experience
- 1+ years
- Education
- High School
- Closing date
- Today
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description
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.
Additional Information:- 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.
If applying for more than one Eligibility Specialist position, please submit a separate application for each.
- 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
Preferences:
- Applicants with bilingual ability (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply. Bilingual extra duty pay is provided.