Income Maintenance Foster Care (IM-FC) (Title IV-E Eligibility) Specialist

Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location: Grand Island, NE, Hastings, NE, Kearney, NE, Scottsbluff, NE

Hiring Rate: $21.328

About the role

Are you someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working with detailed information, and making an impact behind the scenes? At DHHS, our mission is to help people live better lives. In Children and Family Services, that shows up in the work we do every day to support children and families across Nebraska. The Income Maintenance Foster Care (IM-FC) (Title IV-E Eligibility) Specialist position plays an important role in that work by determining eligibility for Title IV-E federal funding and state-funded programs. These decisions directly affect how services are funded for children in foster care, adoption, and guardianship.

In this role, you’ll review case information, apply policy, and make decisions that help ensure services are funded correctly and consistently. “You have the passion; we have the opportunities – let’s make a difference for Nebraskans.”

Responsibilities

• Review case information and determine eligibility for Title IV-E and state-funded programs
• Set up and maintain payment authorizations for foster care, adoption, and guardianship cases
• Review legal and case documentation to support eligibility decisions
• Document case activity clearly and accurately
• Use multiple systems to track and manage case information
• Work with team members and partners to resolve questions or issues
• Manage a caseload with a focus on accuracy and timeliness
• Identify and address issues that could impact eligibility or payments

Why This Work Matters

• Helps ensure children in out-of-home care have access to the supports they need
• Supports the funding that keeps child welfare programs running
• Contributes to consistency and stability for families across Nebraska

What To Expect

• This is detailed, policy-based work that requires strong attention to detail
• You’ll be managing multiple cases at different stages at the same time
• Accuracy matters—this work connects to federal requirements and funding
• A significant part of the role involves documentation and system navigation
• You’ll work independently but also collaborate regularly with your team

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 24 semester hours of post-high school education in behavioral sciences, public/business administration, social sciences, education, or a closely related field
• OR experience in customer service, determining eligibility for public assistance, examining/processing financial loan applications, medical or unemployment insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment services
• OR a combination of education and experience in any of the above areas

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Human Services or a related field
• Experience in eligibility, case management, or public assistance programs
• Experience working with policy or regulations
• Background in human services or child welfare

Other

• Valid driver’s license required

Skills

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of eligibility determination
• Confidentiality requirements
• Accurate case documentation
• Federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing human services programs

Skill in:

• Reviewing and analyzing detailed case, legal, and financial information
• Applying policy and eligibility criteria to individual circumstances
• Identifying inconsistencies or missing information
• Documenting decisions clearly and accurately
• Organizing and prioritizing a caseload
• Performing calculations
• Navigating multiple information systems

Ability to:

• Learn and apply complex Title IV-E and state-funded program requirements
• Review court orders and other legal and case documentation
• Make accurate and consistent eligibility determinations
• Establish and maintain payment authorizations
• Manage multiple cases at different stages while meeting deadlines
• Recognize issues that may affect eligibility, payments, or federal funding
• Communicate effectively with team members and program partners
• Work independently while seeking consultation when appropriate
• Adapt to changes in policy, procedure, and systems
• Protect confidential information

Pay

Starting rate: $20.859/hour – non-exempt

Schedule

Monday – Friday; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status.