Eligibility Referral Specialist 2 - Knox County, OH : Job Details

Salary: $18.65 HourlyLocation : Mount Vernon, OHJob Type: Full-timeJob Number: 220000153Department: Job & Family ServicesDivision: JFS Public AssistanceOpening Date: 11/13/2024Objectives Knox County Job & Family Services is seeking an Eligibility Referral Specialist 2 for its Public Assistance Division. This individual is responsible for determining the financial eligibility of applicants for public assistance programs and referring recipients to needed services within the community.Knox County JFS offers a robust benefit package including insurance (medical, RX, dental, vision and life), paid time off, tuition reimbursement, public student loan forgiveness, Public Retirement Plan and more!This is a full-time, bargaining unit position. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Essential Functions

• Interviews individuals by telephone or in-person as appropriate for a variety of Public Assistance programs.
• Maintains assigned caseload, gathering required data, preforming interactive interviews and draws conclusions to establish initial and ongoing eligibility.
• Obtains necessary verifications, computes applicant's budget, completes thorough case recordings, obtains signatures and explains rights and responsibilities as required by law.
• Refers individuals to special programs as necessary.
• Explains Public Assistance programs and procedures, as well as other available services.
• Works with long-term care facilities and other outside agencies to help meet initial and ongoing needs.
• Conducts state hearings and county conferences as needed and files necessary forms timely.
• Prepares notification letters to assistance groups other than those generated by the state computer system.
• Process changes and applications in accordance with division policy.
• Completes reapplications and mass changes as needed/required.
• Determines if the eligibility evaluation completed by state computer system is in compliance with regulations and how to override the system in order to make eligibility correct.
• Maintains ability to follow through with an interview with or without access to the state computer system.
• Cooperates with other CDJFS internal units to better serve the client.
• Communicates with applicable community resource agencies within the guidelines of public assistance confidentiality.
• Completes timely and necessary reports, RMS, forms, correspondence, and other written material required for proper documentation.
• Covers interviews for absent employees as directed. Provides culturally competent service to all clients, the public and colleagues.
• Obtains necessary and required information for suspected program fraud, overpayment, and/or underpayment.
• Testifies in court as necessary and requested.
• Reports suspected child abuse or elder abuse as required.
• Provides culturally competent service to all clients, the public and colleagues.
• Attends supervision, staff, and training sessions as deter-mined necessary by immediate supervisor.
• Regular and dependable attendance.
• Ability to get along with others.

Job Standards One year of experience as an Eligibility Referral Specialist 1 or two years' experience as a Unit Support Worker 2, or completion of two courses or one year of experience in behavioral science, social science or customer services techniques; one course or six months experience in business mathematics, one course or six months experience in business English, one course or six months experience in interviewing techniques, and one course or six months experience in typing, keyboarding or word processing; plus, a high school diploma or equivalent; or education, training and/or experience in an amount equal to the Minimum Qualifications stated above.Must possess a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. Must meet and maintain qualifications for driving on county business as a continued condition of employment. Must be able to pass background check for FTI (Federal Tax Information). Supplemental Information Equipment: Ability to operate a variety of office equipment such as computer, copier, telephone, tablet, calculator, FAX machine, video player, and other equipment necessary to perform duties.Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply rules, regulations, and guidelines associated with Federal, State and Public Assistance programs.
  • Ability to define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions using judgment, and analytical skills.
  • Thorough knowledge of interpersonal skills, public relations, interviewing, personal income budgeting.
  • Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply necessary computer systems and other proprietary software to complete jobs.
  • Extensive knowledge of and ability to apply program policies and procedures.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written.
  • Ability to work independently, under pressure, and to set and achieve goals; and Ability to organize and maintain large volumes of information and paperwork.
  • Ability to work effectively with clients who may be upset, distraught, irate, emotionally or mentally or otherwise unable to function within reasonable range of constructive behaviors.
  • Organize and prioritize work assignments, multitask with accurate focus and refocus in a fast-paced environment.
  • Efficiently operate computer programs such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and agency specific programs.
  • Demonstrate integrity, reliability, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Deliver excellent customer service, externally and internally.
  • Proficiency in grammar, writing, mathematical skills, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow safety policies, procedures and practices; and
  • Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow federal, state, county, and department policies and procedures, laws and regulations.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK

Work consists of complex, varied, standardized and non-standardized tasks requiring application of numerous laws, rules, regulations, and procedures. Individual is required to provide technical assistance to staff personnel on programs, policies and the interrelationship of programs under extremely complex and difficult situations. The position requires the individual to be continually aware of changes occurring which must be learned and communicated as necessary. Individual must be able to professionally address and work with potentially irate customers.

RESPONSIBILITY

Individual must demonstrate multi-tasking and organizational skills. Individual must adhere to departmental rules and procedures regarding confidentiality due to the nature of information that is accessed. Supervisor provides general guidance allowing the Individual the ability to plan the procedures and methods to attain objectives. Individual makes choices or decisions without supervisory input on most daily activities, such as scheduling appointments, establishing priorities, making referrals to other agencies, and forming collaborative relationships with other service providers in the county. Individual operates independent of supervision daily operations, normally receiving supervisor's input when needed. Errors in work may cause inaccuracies in reports, records, or technical data resulting in inaccurate or incomplete information, and may cause overpayment or underpayment in benefits issued and may ultimately result in fiscal sanction against the agency.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Contact is with co-workers, employees from public and private sector organizations and the public. The purpose of these contacts is to guide and direct, check on progress of work assigned, coordinating services, job development/referrals and handle questions about department, programs and client concerns.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of the position are identified as sedentary work, which may require the lifting of up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.Knox County offers a complete package to full-time employees including: health care, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and deferred compensation plans.To learn more, visit our Benefits Page. 01 Do you have a valid driver's license and the ability to drive as needed for work? 02 Do you have any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities? 03 I understand and accept that, depending upon the position for which I am applying, if I am employed by Knox County, my employment may be for no definite period of time and I may be terminated, with or without cause or notice at any time, at the opinion of either Knox County, or myself. I understand that no representative of Knox County, other than an Appointing Authority, has any authority to enter into any agreement or to make any agreement with me contrary to the foregoing, except that an Appointing Authority of Knox County may do so in writing under specific limited circumstances.

• Yes
• No

04 I understand and accept that, if I am selected for employment, my initial and continued employment may be conditioned upon my passing any medical examination that the employer deems necessary to determine whether I can physically perform the essential functions of the position, with reasonable accommodation when necessary. I understand and accept that this will include drug, alcohol, or substance abuse testing.

• Yes
• No

05 If employed, I understand and accept that, depending on the department in which I am applying for employment, I may be required to work evening or night shifts including weekends, be on call, and/or work mandatory overtime hours. I also understand and accept that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of the Knox County Appointing Authority.

• Yes
• No

06 I understand and accept that if any information required in this application is found to be falsified or intentionally excluded, my application may be disqualified from further consideration. I further understand and accept that if I am employed by a Knox County Appointing Authority, I may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination, if any information required by this application has been falsified or intentionally excluded.

• Yes
• No

07 I understand and accept that the employer requires a high degree of integrity and confidentiality of its employees. I understand that the employer will use screening procedures to evaluate my qualifications and suitability for employment, including but not limited to interviews, criminal record checks, driving record checks, written testing, reference checks, background investigations, psychological evaluations, and drug testing. I also acknowledge that I may be subject to other screening procedures not specifically listed above, and that may be a prerequisite to my appointment.

• Yes
• No

08 I hereby authorize the employers, schools, and personal references named in this application to provide information regarding me to the employer. I further authorize the release of personal, academic, and other records to the employer.

• Yes
• No

09 I solemnly swear that all of the information furnished in this employment application is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application. I understand that any misrepresentation or falsification of the information provided may lead to withdrawal of an employment offer or termination following employment. I recognize that my future employment with the employer will be jeopardized if I engage in substance abuse, illegal drug abuse, or alcohol abuse. Any background check conducted as part of the hiring process shall be in compliance with State and Federal law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and EEOC Enforcement guidelines and Knox County policies. Applicants are hereby advised that State and Federal law may disqualify an individual with a particular criminal history from employment in certain positions. Reference the following link to view a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act: Therefore, in consideration of my employment application being reviewed and considered by a Knox County, Ohio, Appointing Authority, I, being at least 18 years of age and under no legal disability on behalf of my heirs and assigns, hereby release and hold harmless Knox County, Ohio and any of its agents, employees, Appointing Authorities, related officials from any and all liability, whatever type and nature, resulting from the administration of any such screening procedures and/or release of the results there from.By typing your name - you are effectively agreeing and signing this application. 10 How did you hear about this position?

• County Website
• Social Media
• OhioMeansJobs
• Indeed
• Professional Association Website
• News Outlet
• Word of Mouth
• Other

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