PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST

Position Number: 22104247

County: Monroe

Posting End Date: 04/22/2024

Anticipated Starting Salary: $36,154.98

DCO

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Hiring Official: Monica Reed

Minimum Qualifications (from OPM Job Specification)

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or related field; plus one year of experience in determining eligibility for social programs and/or agency resources. Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Qualifications Review Committee.

Job Summary

The DHS Program Eligibility Specialist works under general supervision and is responsible for determining client eligibility, obtaining client information, coordinating services with providers, and preparing information and recommendations. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy including Fair Labor Standards Act.

This position requires computer keyboarding skills, frequent travel including some overnight, lifting up to 20 pounds, frequent stooping and bending, ability to sit for extended periods of time including riding in a vehicle, overtime, ability to utilize current phone system, clear enunciation, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Position assignments are dependent on fluctuating caseloads and employee resources as determined by management staff.

Position Information

Class Code: M066C

Grade: GS06

FLSA Status: NON-EXEMPT

Salary Range: $36,155.00 - $52,425.00

Summary

The Program Eligibility Specialist is responsible for obtaining client information, preparing and monitoring case plans, coordinating services with providers, and preparing information and recommendations. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Reviews referrals for services and interviews applicants and/or family members to explain eligibility requirements, form completion requirements, and community resources. Requests information to determine client eligibility or needs and forwards requests for approval to appropriate staff in accordance with established procedures. Provides information regarding resources, assistance, and services available to applicant and may visit with client and family members in their homes to determine client needs and provide family and/or parent behavior modification counseling. Schedules initial intake conference with client and/or family members, following eligibility determination, to obtain written and oral information regarding psychiatric, psychological, medical background, financial status, and other previous professional recommendations. Evaluates requests and professional findings, in accordance with policies and procedures, and initiates procedures to grant, modify, deny, or terminate eligibility for assistance with recommendations and options for services, referring client to alternative sources, or preparing additional requests for evaluation and assistance. Writes individualized plan of care and contacts participating private and public service providers for assistance. Interprets policy and ensures compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, legal mandates, action plans, and policies. May serve as a liaison to other divisions and agencies to develop policies and procedures for community-based programs. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge of federal and state laws, policies, procedures, and guidelines governing client eligibility for assistance programs. Knowledge of community-based programs and services. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and guidelines in determining eligibility for assistance programs. Ability to evaluate client information, assess client needs, and make referrals. Ability to prepare, present, and review oral and written information and reports. Ability to interview and provide technical assistance. Ability to use computer software to produce reports and written communications.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or a related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.