Eligibility Specialist II - Childcare

Employment Type: 0 - Full-time Regular
Pay Range: $41,187.00 - 61,781.00
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Overtime Exempt: N
Elected Office / Department: HUMAN SERVICES

Performs duties associated with the determination of eligibility and effective case management for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). Also perform duties associated with establishment and management of fiscal agreements (contracts) with childcare providers. Utilizes clear and culturally sensitive written & verbal communication with applicants/ recipients/ providers. May Processes TANF and child welfare referrals for childcare assistance, working closely with case managers and providers. Performs calculations and functions necessary to establish eligibility and to determine appropriate case action. Use of multiple computer applications and systems for paperless case management.

Generally, the hiring range is $41,187-$51,484 annually. Qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position will be taken into consideration when determining hiring salary.

Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the full Employee Benefit Guide.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.)

• Assists clients with application for public assistance programs and determines appropriate services/programs to meet the needs of clients by conducting eligibility interviews, researching, and evaluating all necessary information such as family members and relationships, financial status, income, and resources.
• Gather, organize, and review information supplied by applicants, recipients, and case managers (TANF & Child Welfare) regarding financial and non-financial criteria relevant to the initial and continuing eligibility for the childcare program. Verifies information given by clients as required by direct contact, collateral contacts, phone contacts and any other form necessary.
• Informs applicants and recipients of the relevant requirements and benefits of programs for which they have eligibility. Clarifies and explains to the clients the program rules and procedures and their appeal rights.
• Determines the need for recovery of funds or referral for fraud investigation for families and childcare providers. Completes informational reports to the proper investigative resource in cases of suspicions of fraud. Verifies the pertinent statements given the agency by phone contacts, written requests and/or direct contact with collateral resources.
• Prepares for and testifies as needed at evidentiary or other hearings.
• Approves or denies applications and informs applicants of results within the appropriate time frame and in a manner that can be understood by the client. On an on-going basis, inform recipients of changes in the law or regulations affecting eligibility and/or the amount of grant. Provides information and assesses need for referral to services staff and other community agencies for available assistance.
• Works together with childcare providers to educate and support the administration of CCCAP. Initiate and manage contracts (fiscal agreements) and related documents with childcare providers for service delivery of childcare for Douglas County clients.
• Inform childcare providers of the rules and responsibilities surrounding fiscal agreements. Provide instruction and support surrounding monitoring and billing for services provided. Clearly disseminates all relevant program and rule changes to childcare providers.
• Interfaces daily with statewide computer systems requiring accurate and complete data entry of information. Interprets, and evaluates computer generated data to determine application to individual case processing for approvals, changes, denials, and discontinuations. Maintains client records within the county electronic content management system and the state childcare related programs.
• Utilizes computer daily for data entry and inquiry, for preparation of complex correspondence and spreadsheet development, and for records research and maintenance.
• Completes all required trainings and coursework. May participate in offsite outreach activities and functions. Performs complex calculations and tabulates figures. Maintaining computer-based records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under regular supervision.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None. May perform Lead worker responsibilities, including training to entry level staff.

INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT: Work is primarily directed through Federal and State Regulations and County polies and procedures. Incumbent must be knowledgeable of rules and be able to interpret those rules as they relate to the applicant and/or childcare provider. Must also exercise judgment in applying rules and regulations and ensure that all recipient and/or childcare provider information is verified and accurate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• A high school diploma supplemented by two years of college-level course work in a related field.
• Two years of experience with determining eligibility for assistance or its equivalent, with a social service or childcare setting OR two years of experience in a business office environment which includes demonstrated ability and experience in Contract Management, Data entry and Data audits.
• Experience with CCCAP is preferred.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Acquire and retain knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations related to the primary duties of this position.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills:

• Work with the public in a courteous and professional manner. Provide professional customer service to clients, vendors, staff and public.
• Ability to successfully execute many complex tasks simultaneously; with ability to work as a team member, as well as independently.
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as interest, proportions, and percentages.
• At departmental discretion, candidate may be required to demonstrate use of computer, mathematical, and/or other specialized skills through pre-employment assessment testing.
• Basic to intermediate computer skills are required. Must have intermediate Microsoft Office Suite skills, especially Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Must have the ability to grasp the complexities of state computer-based systems.
• Ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form.
• Ability to interview clients while inputting data into a computer.
• Ability to read and interpret documents and procedure manuals.
• Ability to develop reports and correspondence.

Abilities:

• Responds to supervisor’s direction and adjust work practices accordingly.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing to exchange general information and follow written or verbal instructions.
• Organize and prioritize work and to complete assignments in an accurate and timely manner
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to the situations presented.
• Ability to create and maintain relationships with stakeholders and create a single point of contact for matters concerning contracts.
• Solve any contract related problems that may arise with other parties.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS: This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check including fingerprinting through a national database.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Work Environment: The work environment is typical of an office environment. This position has frequent, close contact with coworkers and the public. Incumbent experiences routine exposures and hazards of a typical office environment. Subject to multiple interruptions.

Physical Demands:

• Requires sufficient hearing and speech ability to communicate verbally in response to inquiries, complaints, and to exchange general information with the public and various agency representatives via phone or in person.
• Requires occasional light lifting/carrying under 15 pounds.
• Requires the ability to sit and perform administrative and computer work for significant periods of time.
• Visual and physical capabilities to work on phones and standard office equipment for prolonged periods of time.
• Frequent phone use.

Material and Equipment Directly Used: Standard office equipment such as computer, phone, scanner/copy/fax machine, postage meter, and filing storage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is open until filled, review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

The job details outlined in this posting represent a modified summary of the full job description. A full copy of the job description may be requested by emailing HumanResources@douglas.co.us.

In the event of an emergency/disaster in or near the County, all County employees are expected to make every effort to be available to assist the County Manager, Elected/Appointed Officials and Department Directors to ensure the continued operation of any and all necessary County functions. This may mean being available to perform additional duties and hours beyond what is normally required. In the event that an exempt employee does work more than 40 hours a week in support of County operations during an emergency, such employee may receive overtime or other appropriate wage compensation in accordance with existing County policies or at the discretion of the County.