What are the responsibilities and job description for the Economic Services Caseworker III position at Franklin County Government?
General Statement of Duties
The primary purpose of the Economic Services Caseworker III is to take, process, determine and re-determine applications and recertifications in the Long-Term Care and Community Alternatives Program (CAP) programs.
Regular work hours for this position are Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M.
Occasionally, employee must work overtime due to increase workload or meeting needs of the customer.
In the event of a disaster in the county, employee will work rotating shifts at an Emergency Shelter.
Duties and Responsibilities/Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
45% Interviewing/Assessing - Interview is the main tool for gathering information and securing facts need to determine eligibility in Long Term Care and CAP programs. The employee must be skilled in obtaining information through listening to the customer, assessing the answers, comparing for program requirements, formulating further questions, and recording the information accurately on the program interview tool. Employee must convey a genuine interest in the customer and their feelings. Long Term Care and CAP Interviews are generally conducted within the agency, by phone or mail. The prospective customer must be informed of his/her right to apply for any assistance program, be given the appropriate time standards for processing, and any necessary referrals if appropriate.
45% Determining Eligibility - The employee must verify information in order to correctly determine eligibility for the prospective customer at initial application, ongoing recipients during the redetermination process, occurring bi-annually or annually, and most at times of changes. Examples of verifications include, but are not limited to, residence, identifications, various types of incomes, and resources. Computer matches assist with the process. The employee must take action to meet all appropriate timeframes when determining eligibility for applications, redeterminations, and/or changes.
9% Assisting Customers - Employee must continually assist with problems and concerns of the customer. Some issues are associated with the eligibility process and others arise when there is a crisis for housing, heating needs, or utilities. Employee will make appropriate referrals for such emergency needs. Employee maintains a relationship with various long-term care and medical facilities.
.50% Referral of Suspected Fraud - Employee is responsible for referring suspected fraud to the Program Integrity Caseworker. Cases may be referred based on reported misuse by the general public, information discovered through computer matches, changes reported by the client, or findings by Quality Assurance.
.50% Appeals and Hearings — Employee must schedule and prepare a local hearing summary within five calendar days if a hearing or appeal is requested by the applicant/recipient or legal representative. Some agency actions may constitute a state hearing rather than a local hearing.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of income maintenance program assigned. Considerable knowledge of all agency and community programs and services which could affect the client/applicant. General knowledge of all income maintenance programs. Good mathematical reasoning and computational skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret a variety of regulations, policies and procedure of varying complexity. Ability to work independently and prioritize work. Ability to instruct and evaluate the work of lower-level employees. Ability to train employees in new and existing rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to understand the needs and problems of clients/applicants. Ability to perform caseworker function under and within structured time frames.
Desirable Education and Experience
Two years of experience as an Economic Services Caseworker, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Other Information
Possession of a valid NC drivers license upon hire.
Franklin County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity. Benefit options include medical and dental insurance; elective supplemental insurance options such as short-term disability, vision, and voluntary term life; local government retirement; 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution (no employee match required); generous paid leave that includes 13 county-observed paid holidays per year; an employee wellness program inclusive of a county sponsored gym and an employee assistance program.
