Program Eligibility Specialist

SummaryThe 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 policy.Typical FunctionsReviews 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.Special Job DimensionsKnowledge, Abilities, and SkillsKnowledge of federal and state laws, policies, procedures, and guidelines governing clienteligibility for assistance programs. Knowledge of community-based programs and services. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and guidelines in determining eligibility forassistance 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 Education and/or ExperienceThe formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, early childhood education, child and family development, business administration 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.Preferred QualificationsMust be Knowledgeable of SNAP, Medicaid, and/or TEA policy. Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook, ANSWER, CURAM, etc. Have 2 years’ experience in interviewing skills, must have the ability to adjust doing multiple changes, must be able to multitask, must have 2 years’ experience in customer service, able to function in a fast pace environment and work independently.Certificates, Licenses, RegistrationsAgency Specific InformationDivision Name

Division of County OperationsHiring Official

Regina CarrSpecial Work Condition

Travel for trainingSpecial Application Information

GENERAL INFORMATION:

All DHS applicants must complete drug screening, as outlined in DHS Policy 1087, prior to being hired.

Applications are prescreened according to the state application, addenda, résumé, transcript, licenses and any other information that is submitted. Only transcripts should be submitted at the time of applications; reference letters, certificates, and licenses should be brought at the time of interview. Failure to complete the application form according to instructions with complete and accurate information will adversely impact your comparison to other candidates. List all prior work experience, including military service, with most recent employment first. You may include volunteer or unpaid work as part of your work history; however, you should include the number of hours per week which you performed these duties.

False, misleading, or incomplete statements may result in disciplinary action and possible termination.

Benefits package may include: health & life insurance, vacation & sick time, paid holidays, credit union membership, retirement, career bonus, and deferred compensation.

CONTINUOUSLY ADVERTISED POSITIONS:

Submitting an application for a continuously advertised position does not guarantee that a job is available for that position title; e-mails stating that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for a position are for future reference. Applications submitted for continuously advertised positions are kept on file for 60 days. As jobs for that position title become available, eligible applications in that file that match the county and division criteria will be considered. On your application you should have designated in which counties and divisions you are willing to work. Please keep in mind that you will not appear on hiring lists for counties you do not designate. Do not select “statewide” from this county list.

FOR ALL FAMILY SERVICE WORKER POSITIONS ONLY:

EXPERIENCE CANNOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THIS JOB TITLE

Applicants must submit an official transcript by mail in addition to applications for all levels of Family Service Worker positions except for Family Services Assistant positions. Transcripts will remain on file for future applications. The following Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees are valid for such Family Service Worker-type positions:

Behavior Science

Child and Family Development

Child Development

Counseling (any field)

Criminal Justice

Education: Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Level, Secondary, or Special

Family & Consumer Science

Family Development

Family Services

Home Economics

Human Development & Family Studies

Human Services

Psychology

Rehabilitation Science

Social Welfare

Sociology

Social Work

Mail your transcript to the following address:

Arkansas Department of Human Services

Attn: Recruitment

P.O. Box 1437, Slot W301

Little Rock, AR 72203

The transcript must be an official transcript sent from the university or college you attended. The transcript must still have the envelope sealed with the security seal affixed. Once the seal is broken, the transcript is considered void.