COMMUNITY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

THIS IS NOT A HYBRID POSITION AND REQUIRES THE INCUMBENT TO BE IN THE OFFICE 100%.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position is responsible for providing information, coordinating benefits and determining initial and ongoing case management and referral needs for applicants/recipients of multiple public assistance programs and services within the Department of Human Services. Provides referrals for related resources and services to collateral departments and agencies as appropriate.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Community Support Specialist works under the guidance of the Community Support Supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the Community Support Specialist position and do not include other general duties that may be required.

• Collects, organizes, and analyzes information to assess an applicant’s financial and non-financial criteria relevant to the initial and continuing eligibility for public assistance programs to include: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Colorado Works (TANF), Adult Financial, and Long-Term Care programs.

• Performs case management activities including conducting interviews and follow-up interviews with applicants/recipients; analyzing financial resources to determine eligibility; evaluates applicants/recipient’s financial resources; and makes referrals to other internal and community programs that address self-sufficiency and food insecurity.

• Informs applicants/recipients of the relevant requirements and benefits of programs for which they may be eligible; assists applicants/recipients with completing forms; secures documents; notifies applicants/recipients of appeal rights and procedures in response to notices generated by the computer.

• Approves or denies applicants based upon review of case information, in accordance with federal and state statutes; navigates other resources as available and appropriate.

• Maintains a generalist caseload of participants with the entire team encompassing multiple public assistance programs.

• Establishes and maintains case files per State regulations.

• Reviews state-generated computer data for accuracy and possible case actions.

• Thoroughly documents all case actions.

• Performs extensive research in multiple databases to verify information and identify any inconsistent information.

• Advises applicants/recipients of their rights, responsibilities, and pertinent rules and regulations.

• Provides prompt and accurate answers to questions regarding programs and available services.

• Completes required forms and enters all new and updated applicant information into several county and state computer programs and/or databases.

• Maintain a positive professional relationship with all team members and support a healthy and productive work environment.

• Maintain a high level of professional communication, customer service, and follow-through with clients, peers, supervisors, and department leadership.

• Attend ongoing training to maintain/enhance knowledge and skills

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of basic clerical functions, accounting, and mathematics

• Knowledge of county policies and procedures, laws, and legal processes related to human services programs

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations

• Knowledge of resources used in obtaining applicable data

• Ability to obtain information and evidence by observation and interview

• Ability to analyze and evaluate information obtained from applicable sources

• Ability to record and present accurate documentation in oral and written form

• Ability to work with a diverse caseload of individuals with varying emotional, physical, developmental, and socio-economic backgrounds and varying cultural and/or religious beliefs

• Ability to diffuse hostile and potentially unsafe situations

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with a variety of individuals and agencies

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing under strict timeframes

• Ability to plan, schedule, organize, and prioritize workflow/schedule to maintain accurate records and meet deadlines

• Ability to work in and engage in a positive, continuously changing, and professional work environment

• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, high-volume, ever-changing work environment and be able to handle high-stress situations

• Ability to follow federal, state, and county policies and procedures, and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines

EDUCATION AND EXPERTISE

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

• Two years of public contact or clerical experience is required.

• Two years of higher education may be substituted for the required experience.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to sit, stand, or travel for long periods of time. Must be able to negotiate up and down stairs and on rough and/or uneven terrain

• Must be able to travel to and from various work sites by car

• Must be able to bend, stoop, stretch, twist, reach, kneel, crawl, squat, climb, and balance

• Must be able to climb ladders or stairs or climb up to and down from higher levels using unconventional methods

• Must be capable of working under stressful conditions

• Must have good cognitive skills and awareness of work accuracy

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle driver’s license issued by the State of Colorado and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.

• Must pass a criminal background check before employment.