DHS-Eligibility Worker I

This is entry-level professional work involving interviewing applicants and recipients for timely evaluation and determination of eligibility for economic assistance programs. The incumbent explains and interprets policies and programs, rights, and responsibilities to clients, making appropriate referrals to social services, or other agencies as needed. Additional duties include entering and retrieving pertinent data in the computer system for use in the completion of application, recertification, and all required special reviews. The incumbent is also responsible for maintaining an on-going caseload, scheduling appointments, organizing a monthly work plan, and answering telephone and walk-in inquiries from clients and other agencies. Supervision is received from an administrative superior.
Examples of Work: Examples of work performed in this classification include, but are not limited to, the following:

Conducts interviews with applicants and recipients for all economic assistance programs; completes all necessary forms and sets up case records.

Explains and interprets policies and programs, rights, and responsibilities to clients, making appropriate referrals to social services or other agencies as needed.

Verifies and evaluates data; determines eligibility in a timely manner, using applicable agency policies and procedures; sends appropriate notifications.

Enters and retrieves pertinent data in the computer system for use in the completion of applications, recertification, and all required special reviews.

Maintains an on-going caseload, scheduling appointments and organizing a monthly workplan; answers telephone and walk-in inquiries from clients and other agencies; sorts, files, and responds to correspondence.

Processes over-issuance and improper payment claims, including initiation of follow-up repayment plans and preparation for fair hearings.

Maintains policy manuals and keeps current on numerous and frequent changes in complex federal, state, and agency policies.

Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: These minimum qualifications have been agreed upon by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in this job class and are based upon a job analysis and the essential functions. However, if a candidate believes he/she is qualified for the job although he/she does not have the minimum qualifications set forth below, he/she may request special consideration through substitution of related education and experience, demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Any request to substitute related education or experience for minimum qualifications must be addressed to the Mississippi State Personnel Board in writing, identifying the related education and experience which demonstrates the candidate's ability to perform all essential functions of the position.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Education:
Graduation from a standard four-year high school or equivalent (GED or High School Equivalency Diploma);

AND

Experience:
Two (2) years of experience working with the general public in positions which included interviewing and policy interpretation.

Substitution Statement:

Related education and related experience may be substituted on an equal basis.
Essential Functions: Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring agency. The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Interviews applicants to determine initial and on-going eligibility for programs.

2. Completes various paperwork and enters data into computer.

3. Maintains caseload and agency manuals utilizing case action controls including computer printouts, office schedules, work plans, ticklers, alerts, expedited lists, etc.