JOB DESCRIPTION:
• Under the direction of an Eligibility Referral Supervisor or designee, and in accordance with all confidentiality requirements, determine initial/ongoing eligibility for a variety of public assistance programs through interviewing, verbal & written communications, and/or on-line application processing.
• This includes mass change operations; securing appropriate signatures; gathering & verifying required data.
• Accurately entering data in the program-specific computer operating systems.
• Applying relative federal & state regulations in the eligibility determination process; reviewing eligibility factors and computing budgets to draw conclusions to establish correct eligibility; trouble-shooting system errors and enacting approved system overrides when required; authorizing approval, continuance, or termination of benefits timely; and completing thorough & timely documentation of all actions as required in the computer system(s) housing the case file(s).
• Maintains the ability to key in and retrieve data from the State’s operating systems and perform basic inquiry as necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Timely updates cases and/or takes action on case information received from customers, systems’ alerts, information exchanges, or other sources and documents the same.
• Shares information essential for the delivery of services as permitted within the confidentiality mandates of each program. Cooperates with other JFS internal units to serve customers competently and efficiently.
• Explains to customers the programs, procedures, rights, and responsibilities as part of the eligibility determination, redetermination, change, and termination processes as well as during routine inquiries.
• Makes referrals to other agency and community services and programs as necessary. Makes collateral contacts and communicates with agencies, community professionals, and health care providers.
• Maintains and applies a current working knowledge of: State/Federal regulations regarding the public assistance programs administered by the agency; operating systems necessary for the deliverance of public assistance benefits and storing documents necessary to support the agency’s decisions; agency procedures relative to the essential functions of the position; confidentiality; and community resources available to the customers served.
• Maintains case records in the prescribed manner, whether in hard copy or electronic formats.
• Organizes, processes, and maintains related forms in a systematic fashion in order to comply with programmatic standards and procedures.
• Timely completes reports, RMS, forms, correspondence, and other written materials required for proper documentation.
• Researches and retrieves information from relevant manuals which set forth the requirements for the programs administered by the agency.
• Solves case-related problems by appropriately using information and supportive resources such as supervisors, program specialists, and manuals.
• Works as a member of a team within the Income Maintenance Department to deliver timely services which may require providing back-up services during periods of absences of other team members.
• Receives, investigates, and resolves complaints concerning lost, stolen, or undelivered benefits.
• Recognizes overpayments, underpayments, and program fraud. Makes referrals for investigation and takes corrective measures if necessary.
• Prepares State Hearing summaries with supporting documentation and represents the agency in state hearings. Responds to and complies with state hearing decisions and quality control findings.
• Testifies in court as required.
• Attends and participates in meetings related to supervision; unit and departmental functioning; and trainings to discuss and learn policies, regulations, procedures, and programmatic processes relative to the deliverance of public assistance benefits and services.
• Attends conferences and workshops as determined necessary by management.
• May be required to use own vehicle and provide proof of current driver’s license and vehicle insurance (which is defined in Ohio Administrative Code [OAC]).
• Employee is required to submit to initial/ongoing background checks in accordance with FTI rules. Other duties as assigned.
• The performance of the above essential functions and duties are pertinent to the classification of an IMW 3 regardless of the working title assigned; e.g. phone worker, change worker, reviewer, intake worker, etc.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum of 2 years college education or 2 years’ experience in Income Maintenance programs; plus: 1 course in computer literacy (or 3 months experience); 1 course in typing or terminal keyboarding skills with demonstrated ability/experience in the use of such skills; 6 courses in budgeting (or 6 months experience); 6 courses in public relations (or 6 months experience); 6 courses in office practices (or 6 months experience); 6 courses in interviewing (or 6 months experience); ability to calculate fractions, decimals and percentages, complete forms and write routine correspondence.
APPLICATION DETAILS:
Interested and qualified applicants can apply by emailing a resume, and application to Natalie Aubihl, Program Administrator Tuscarawas County JFS, at natalie.aubihl@jfs.ohio.gov.