Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc., Gainesville Regional Office is seeking an
Eligibility Specialist. This is a full-time, 35 hours a week, non-exempt position located in Gainesville, FL. The Eligibility Specialist determines client eligibility for the Ryan White program and other public assistance programs and assists client in enrolling when eligible. This position is accountable for reviewing eligibility and program expectations to clients that are eligible for Ryan White services while improving access to care services and removing barriers to help clients remain engaged in their own treatment. Ensures that client maintains eligibility for health or benefit programs by meeting re-enrollment deadlines and submitting updates in a timely manner.Catholic Charities offers a competitive non-profit compensation package with competitive pay rates and comprehensive benefits; 100% employer paid health insurance, paid time off, sick leave, 12 paid holidays, life insurance, flexible spending account, short-term disability, long-term disability, supplemental 403B retirement plan, and pension. Charities is an EEO and e-verify participating agency.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Schedules intake appointments for all new and re-engaged clients. Contact clients who have cancelled or not shown up for appointments to re-engage into care. Work to build the trust and confidence of clients and help them understand the integrated model of care and the importance of continued care with their providers, case manager and ADAP.
- Remind clients to bring required documentation for medical visits and monitor progress with updating eligibility documentation for new and recertification appointments as well as documents needed for enrollment.
- Use program assessment tools to determine client eligibility for services.
- Assist clients in completing the application for initial application for service and the semi-annual recertification and make appointments for financial assistance for qualified clients.
- Ensure client has presented all necessary and proper documentation required for services requested.
- Maintains clients' records by creating case notes, logging events and progress in a timely manner.
- Provide information, referral, and problem-solving assistance to clients.
- Provide advocacy on health information including educating clients to self-advocate, preventing further transmission, the benefits and challenges of care and treatment, and available services and how to access them.
- Caseworkers must strive for objectivity and help clients articulate their thoughts using proven interviewing techniques. Such techniques may include asking open ended questions, asking for clarification and helping a client make connections with information provided and documentation. Caseworkers should also watch for red flags.
- Exhibit sensitivity to the service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
- Caseworkers will use active listening techniques, so clients feel heard and understood.
- Maintain up to date and accurate cases files and databases, in accordance with HIPAA and confidentiality requirements.
- Network with other agencies to avoid duplication of services and for referral for services not provided by the Agency.
- Other duties as assigned.
Other Duties and Functions - Consistently demonstrate a positive, friendly, respectful and caring attitude with staff, clients, volunteers and visitors, projecting a welcoming atmosphere to all.
- Organize and prioritize work, be proactive, take initiative, resolve complex problems, follow through, and simultaneously manage multiple priorities.
- Adhere to agency standards of ethical conduct and maintain professional boundaries with staff, volunteers and clients.
- Adhere to agency standards involving the handling of highly confidential and sensitive information.
- Display sensitivity to the served population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
- Attend all Agency meetings as required.
- Participate in in-service activities, training, continuing education, conferences and workshops for professional development and compliance with grant and Agency policies.
- Keep detailed records per Agency and department guidance.
- Correctly enter required information in the prescribed databases, in a timely manner.
- Comply with regulatory, statutory, contractual, grant and Agency standards for timeliness, completeness and accuracy when preparing and maintaining paperwork and required reports.
- Comply with Diocesan and Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. general policies, regulations, and procedures.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Must possess professional knowledge of principles of HIV Care & Treatment, professional and cultural competence/sensitivity, compassionate attitude and be familiar with service delivery for HIV positive clients.
- Knowledge of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program.
- Knowledge of HIV Care & Treatment, professional and cultural competence/sensitivity, compassionate attitude and be familiar with service delivery for HIV positive clients.
- Possess good knowledge of community resources and demonstrate a high level of customer service.
- Must have the ability to think critically and analytically, process information and prioritize, maintain confidentiality, and possess independent work habits, is self-reliant and self-directed.
- Knowledge about confidentiality regarding communicable/infectious disease issues (HIPAA guidelines).
- Knowledge of public health program implementation and evaluation; knowledge of the use of motivational interviewing techniques to encourage individuals to start and remain in care.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) and the ability to function independently under dynamic circumstances.
- Ability to report to work on time, follow directions from supervisor and accept constructive feedback.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Ability to interact effectively, compassionately, and respectfully with clients, visitors, staff and board members.
- Strong typing and computer skills are required, including knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and other software programs.
- Excellent organizational skills and able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to remain calm and work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to organize, prioritize and meet deadlines.
- High level of personal initiative and ability to work with minimal oversight.
- Ability to act calmly in crisis situations and to resolve conflicts in a constructive and effective manner.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
- Enthusiasm and the ability to thrive in an atmosphere of constant change.
- Ability to understand and follow agency policies and procedures.
- Ability to learn agency specific software.
- Excellent customer service skills.
Required/Preferred Education and Experience - Bachelor's degree in Social Science required.
- 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
- Experience with working in communities at high risk for HIV.
Other Requirements - Clear a Level II background screening.
- Clear a reference check (professional and personal)
- Clear a local background check from the county in which you reside.
- Clear a Motor Vehicles Records check.
- Provide proof of and maintain a minimum personal auto insurance according to agency standards.
- Provide a copy of all certifications prior to your first day of employment.
- Clear an E-Verify check.
- Valid Florida state driver's license.
Driving and Travel - 10% travel is required for this job.
- This position requires that you drive your personal automobile or vehicle on agency business on behalf of Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. Therefore, you are required to have a current valid Florida Driver's License. Maximum points accumulated on your driving record cannot exceed 6 at any one time for you to be considered as having a good driving record. You are required to carry automobile liability insurance in the amount of at least $50,000 for each person, $100,000 for each accident or occurrence for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. In addition, limits up to 100,000/$300,000/$50,000 are required in the event of transporting children. You must provide the agency with a current certificate of insurance.