Job description

Eligibility Examiner I learns the basic state eligibility criteria to determine eligibility of applicants seeking Public Assistance, Medicaid, Food Stamp and/or HEAP benefits. An Examiner undergoes intensive training to develop the necessary skills in applying the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities in these programs which are needed in addressing a client’s eligibility for assistance as well as in providing direction in methods necessary for the client to become self-sufficient. This position requires in-person interviews with clients.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS Under the supervision of a technical or administrative supervisor, an employee in this class determines financial eligibility for programs administered by the Department of Social Services, and recommends amounts of assistance in accordance with established rules, regulations and procedures. This class is distinguished by the fact that the employee conducts personal interviews with applicants, computes budgets for applicants and determines or reviews applicants' eligibility for assistance. Some workers may be assigned to a unit responsible for performing fieldwork to obtain collateral verification of information to be used in the eligibility determination process. The incumbent works under close supervision at first, but is expected to develop considerable initiative and judgment as experience is gained. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

· Evaluates an applicant’s financial resources and requests any documentation or additional information necessary for determining an applicant’s eligibility for any or all the benefits provided by Temporary Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, HEAP and Child Care Subsidy;

· Advises applicant about the program under which he/she may be eligible for assistance and any documentation or additional information necessary for final program eligibility;

· Prepares a budget for the applicant based upon the information obtained through the interview, supporting documentation and any other information obtained from collateral sources;

· Properly documents the eligibility decisions made in accordance with state and federal guidelines;

· Prepares and computes budget for the applicant; when necessary, re-computes budget and where warranted prepares a schedule to recoup overpayment of benefits;

· Informs an applicant of the eligibility determination, the amount of assistance, and when the first grant can be expected; also advises the clients when their applications are denied and arranges for a follow-up letter informing them of the action taken;

· Advises the applicant about his/her responsibility to keep the agency informed of any change in status which may affect his/her eligibility for assistance;

· Provides information on emergency grants as needed, to avoid possible eviction, or shut off of heat, or foreclosure, as well as grants for purchases of furniture to clients in the safety net when they have exhausted their eligibility for cash benefits;

· If mandatory, or requested by applicant or client, or need for services are indicated, refers applicant to social services section, or to other specialties, such as resources, housing, employment, legal, medical, mental health, etc. wherever the needs of the client are so indicated;

· Makes any necessary changes in the WMS, Client Notice System, ABLE, RIF and Connections systems or other identified systems as required by New York State and outlined in the state manuals or Administrative Directives or Local Commissioners Memorandum, which may affect a client’s eligibility for assistance;

· Determines conditions of employability and directs applicants into job searches and employment programs, and follows up on clients compliance with prescribed action;

· Screens and establishes the absence of or need for a drug and /or alcohol abuse evaluation;

· Follows up on any significant indication of domestic violence and makes appropriate referrals to DV Liaison and DV providers;

· May obtain data necessary to establish the need for a petition for support from parents or spouses;

· Maintains a schedule to follow up on a client’s adherence to a plan on employment, medical treatment, treatment for drug or alcohol abuse or need for additional services or need for additional services and where warranted, sanctions the client for cause;

· Makes arrangements to provide shelter for the homeless and makes linkage for battered persons to domestic violence provider for shelter needs;

· Processes emergency grants for HEAP eligible and refers clients to HEAP for assistance, or opens the case for general assistance or for Safety Net;

· Is familiar with Front End and Back End Detection; assess cases for potential fraud and makes referrals for full field investigation where presumption of fraud is indicated.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

· Good knowledge of the federal, state and local social services laws and programs as they affect eligibility for social welfare benefits;

· Working knowledge with other laws as they affect eligibility, such as worker’s compensation, social security and unemployment insurance;

· Working knowledge of community resources available for indigents and the needy population;

· Ability to make arithmetic computations;

· Ability to deal effectively with others;

· Ability to analyze facts obtained and use facts in making judgments regarding eligibility;

· Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions;

· Good powers of observation and perception; initiative; tact; judgment; emotional maturity;

· Good communications skills and ability to work as part of a team;

· Working knowledge of computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, email and database software;

· Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

OPEN-COMPETITIVE:EITHER:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with at least an Associate’s degree; OR,

B. Graduation from High School or possession of a GED and two (2) years of experience in examining, investigating, or evaluating claims for public assistance or benefits against a set of established criteria.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: In the Department for Children, Youth and Families: Successful clearance from the State Central Registry in the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and the State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Background investigations are conducted by the appointing authority).

Juris. Class: Competitive

Albany County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Competitive class vacancies are filled by certified list provided by Albany County Civil Service. Should no certified list be available, candidates appointed to this position will be serving in a provisional appointment in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law. The candidate must successfully complete a competitive examination and be eligible for appointment in accordance with Civil Service Law and the Civil Service Rules for Albany County to obtain a permanent appointment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $39,959.00 - $44,062.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Albany, NY 12210: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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