ELIGIBILITY TECHNICIAN - FOOD DISTRIBUTION

REGULAR/FT

NE - LEVEL 5

SALARY: $14.61

GENERAL DEFINITION: The purpose of the position is to determine the eligibility of applicants applying to receive USDA food benefit assistance. Responsible to maintain applications, initiate and process applications through computer automated system while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Work is performed under the general supervision of the Program Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

DUTIES:

Conduct interviews with applicants and conduct application review to determine initial or continuing applicant eligibility for food assistance program.

• Manage all casework to verify all required documentation related to income and residency to support determination.
  • Maintain applicant information utilizing spreadsheets and automated computer system.
  • Maintain case files at the end-point of service to obtain USDA Food Benefits.
  • Ensure accuracy and completion of application and related forms to monitor on-going eligibility and take appropriate actions needed.
  • Assess information on application(s) and supporting documents
  • Analyze financial and eligibility to ensure all applicable Excess Standard Shelter and/or Utility expenses, Medical, Dependent Care, and Child Support deductions are applied.
  • Ensure all signatory are in place for case reviews and program evaluation to comply and adhere to USDA related policies and procedures.
• Explains regulations, rules and policies to applicants and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for participation in assistance program and services.
• Coordinate with state agencies and/or local office to validate non-participation and prevent dual participation to ensure compliance with state Memorandum of Agreement.
• Monitor changes in applicant s status, contacts applicant to verify changes, and make appropriate adjustments to eligibility. Report changes pertinent to participant reporting requirements.

Interpret and explain program related information on an individual and/or group basis, in person and/or by telephone settings about product and services.

• Informs customer on food benefit package related to USDA Food Guide Rate to inform on household size.
• Educate applicants on "Grocery Store Concept" and food selection process to adhere to USDA food guide rate.
• Perform daily home delivery orders by telephone and assists walk-in households by obtaining and/or selection of food benefits.
• Determine home visit and/or home delivery services when necessary.
• Monitor and issue notice of expiration to applicants to provide notice to renew certification.
• Develop monthly calendar with programmatic activities related to office hour, food issuance, closures and other related public notifications.
• Conduct outreach community activities to improve in federal nutrition program.

Maintain appropriate and accurate case records, documentation and files, including data entries into automated record system.

• Maintain spreadsheets related to initial, continual, adjustments, and closures.
• Maintain daily and monthly data to comply with participation data to funding agency.

Performs other duties related to position.

• Daily clean the certification office, lobby area and restroom(s).
• Attend meetings, trainings for Individual Personal Development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of techniques of interviewing, gathering and analyzing data practices. Knowledge of providing customer service to assess customer needs. Knowledge of office procedures, methods and computer hardware and software and computer application platforms. Knowledge of managing files and records and other procedures and terminology. Skilled to maintain composure under stressful situations. Skilled in operating computer applications to create spreadsheets and word processing documents. Skilled in understanding in Zuni and English language. Skilled in communicating effectively in writing. Skilled in to maintain accurate clientele reports and complete simple narrative reporting. Ability to maintain confidentiality for all applicants. Ability to communicate effectively orally in English and preferably in the Zuni language. Ability to establish and maintain a good and effective working relationship with other employees and the general public. Ability to support the program s goal & objective in quality management in Customer Service and Teamwork. Ability to understand the Zuni Tribe s Personnel Policy and Procedures and adhere to the Manual.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Associate Degree in Social Services, Social Work, Business Administration, or a closely related field; with two (2) years of substantial public contact, interviewing or related experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES: Must possess a valid New Mexico Driver's License with no DWI/DUI convictions within the past three (3) years. Driving is an essential part of the duties.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT: Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Occasional exposure to objectionable conditions or variations such as those found in variable weather conditions or light industrial settings.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Position is subject to Pre-Employment drug testing. Position is Safety Sensitive and will be subject to random drug screening for duration of employment.