Eligibility Services Worker Hybrid #260804-3261SH-001

About Us

Working together with families and communities to improve child safety, ensure that more children have permanent families, and advance the overall well-being of children is the central focus of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). DCF protects children who are being abused or neglected, strengthens families through support and advocacy, and builds on existing family and community strengths to help children who are facing emotional and behavioral challenges, including those committed to the Department by the juvenile justice system.

About the Role

The Revenue Enhancement Division (RED)'s mission is to maximize Title IV-E federal reimbursement for child welfare services for the state of Connecticut's Department of Children and Families (DCF), as well as maintain medical eligibility for children associated with DCF. The Eligibility Services Worker is essential in supporting the public health and safety activities performed by DCF, as it is responsible for establishing the IV-E eligibility status for DCF committed youth receiving services through its Prevention Services program. The Eligibility Services Worker collaborates in determining client eligibility for claiming federal reimbursement under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act and revenue maximization. This role is crucial for determining whether children in care can be claimed under IV-E and the direct impact on federal revenue.

Position Details

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• First (1st) shift, Monday - Friday
• Located in Hartford, CT

Examples of Duties

• Interviews individuals to obtain necessary information
• Determines and grants services and public assistance
• Researches, verifies and evaluates statements given by clients and other factors to ensure compliance with program eligibility requirements
• Enters and modifies all relevant case eligibility information in the Eligibility Management System database
• Provides periodic cycle of eligibility redetermination services to ensure correct client benefits level
• Assists clients with application and receipt of various federal, state and municipal social services benefits
• Acts as liaison with local, state and federal agencies regarding determination and coordination of client eligibility and awards
• Provides information regarding state public assistance programs to clients, social service agencies, attorneys and the public
• Prepares detailed summaries and acts as agency representative in Fair Hearings process
• Performs related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications

General Experience: Five (5) years of experience in the determination of client eligibility for public assistance or investigation of client capital assets in relation to eligibility determination.

Substitutions Allowed:

• College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of the experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
• A Master's degree in a closely related area may be substituted for the General Experience.
• Successful completion of a Connecticut Careers Trainee program approved by the Department of Administrative Services may be substituted for the General Experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with federal Title IV-E eligibility and determination policies
• Experience interpreting and applying agency policies and procedures related to Title IV-E foster care, adoption, sub-guardianship, and prevention services
• Experience working with guidance and regulations associated with Title IV-E, Family First Prevention Services Act, and The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Amendment of 1980 of the Social Security Act
• Experience completing and processing of assigned case load work related to determining eligibility for IV-E foster care, adoption, sub-guardianship, and prevention services within established timelines
• Experience communicating effectively and working independently in a professional environment
• Experience with upholding a professional relationship with intergovernmental programs and agencies associated with IV-E eligibility

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations
• Knowledge of available community support and social services resources
• Knowledge of common individual and/or family financial practices and investments
• Interpersonal skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interview

Benefits

• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities
• A healthy work-life balance to all employees
• State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service