Please note: The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $61,604 to $66,444 if filled at the Grade 17 level, or $69,601 to $99,183 if filled at the Grade 20 level, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.”
Government Assistance Eligibility Specialist I Multiple PositionsOffice of Eligibility and Support Services
WHO WE ARE
Montgomery County is located adjacent to Washington, D.C., and with over one million residents, is the most populous County in the State of Maryland. The County is also the most diverse County in the State and ranks among the top ten most diverse Counties in the nation. Montgomery County contains many major U.S. government offices, scientific research and learning centers, and business campuses.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for delivering the County’s public health and human services, which meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable children, adults, and seniors. The Department provides services through more than 120 programs at more than 20 locations. With over 2,000 employees, it is the largest County Department.
As a department, we believe the health and wellness of the county can only be achieved by ensuring that every resident has fair opportunities to reach their fullest potential. This means access to quality housing, transportation, education, employment, health care, human services, safe neighborhoods, and healthy food. HHS provides critical services for residents who face a variety of obstacles in achieving their full potential. HHS plays an essential role in building a healthy and strong community.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Eligibility and Support Services (OESS), is recruiting for Government Assistance Eligibility Specialist I (GAES I) positions to work in the units and programs outlined below.
The Government Assistance Eligibility Specialist I (GAES I) will work at the entry-developmental level in determining eligibility of County residents for various programs that assist individuals, families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities needing financial and/or medical assistance and other support services.
The GAES I will receive formal and on-the-job training in income assistance eligibility procedures, while performing duties of limited scope intended to introduce them to the field. They receive assignments of gradually increasing complexity until they become fully proficient in all aspects of eligibility determination and interpersonal relations.
The GAES I works with applicants, their families, and/or their representatives; professional social service and related staff within the department; State and Federal agencies, other counties, community social service agencies, and service providers to obtain or verify information, resolve problems, coordinate actions regarding eligibility determinations, or refer people and cases to other service units or agencies.
After successfully completing several training cohorts, a GAES I will work under the direct supervision of a unit supervisor. Work is subject to specific County, State, and Federal guidelines and regulations.
Incumbents work in an environment that values quality customer service and treats all populations with respect and dignity. Positions may require flexible work hours to provide service at various locations throughout Montgomery County and through teleworking. These positions will also be required to represent HHS in enrollment events or community outreach events to inform the public about the availability of HHS programs. This could require an adjusted work week to cover weekends or evenings.
Programs:
Family Investment/Income Supports: determines initial and ongoing eligibility for Income Support Programs, including Temporary Cash Assistance, Temporary Disability Assistance Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), Public Assistance to Adults, and Medical Assistance; conduct and complete initial interviews, process cases, authorize benefits, make necessary referrals to other services and programs and maintain an ongoing caseload to meet all established requirements.
Child Care Subsidy (Working Parents Assistance) Program: determine initial and ongoing eligibility for the Working Parents’ Assistance Program.
Maryland Health Connection and County Health Services: determines initial and ongoing eligibility for various healthcare programs.
Medical Assistance (Long-term Care): covers a portion of the cost of care in long-term care facilities, for aged, blind or disabled persons whose available income is insufficient to meet the entire cost. Other medical services are also covered. The position requires an understanding of financial statements.
Additional Information:
Working Offsite Locations: This position requires the ability to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office.
Evening and Weekend Hours: This position requires the ability to work some evening and weekend hours.
Physical Requirements: This position may require the ability to walk up and down steps when attending meetings or working outside the office.
Medical Protocol: If selected for this position, you will be subject to a pre-employment Medical check through the Montgomery County Office of Medical Services. An applicant who fails the medical history review may be disqualified from employment for this position.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
Experience: None.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Candidates with the following experiences are strongly preferred: human service eligibility determination, direct customer service functions such as completing interviews, addressing and resolving customer issues
Preferred Criteria:
The applications of those individuals meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed to determine the extent, relevance of training, and experience in the following areas:
- Experience working in a high-paced environment providing customer service. Work experience in health or human services environments or call centers is strongly desired
- Experience providing data entry input into computer systems, or working with multiple databases
- Experience working in a health or human services environment, working within policy guidelines
Interview Criteria:
Interview selection will be based on the following interview preference criteria:
Experience working in a high-paced environment
Experience multitasking
Experience working with computer applications and navigating databases
Experience working with and providing customer service including problem resolution
Knowledge of Public Assistance Programs
Listed under Government & Public Sector jobs.