Economic Support Specialist 1 - Statewide

Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is a dynamic state agency responsible for delivering a wide range of services to Georgia's most vulnerable populations. Our mission is to strengthen Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and protect Georgia's vulnerable children and adults.  

What we offer.  Enjoy a generous benefits package that includes a flexible work schedule, unique training opportunities, employee retirement plan, 401(k) plan and 457 plan, 13 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, dental, vision, long/short-term care, life insurance, and employee discount programs; in addition to telework opportunities depending upon the position.  

DFCS / Office of Family Independence (OFI) is seeking candidates to fill several positions as an Economic Support Specialist 1 inclusive of various units within DFCS, these positions are located throughout Georgia and may require travel.  The position will report to an Economic Support Specialist Supervisor.  

Positions are only open to external candidates and promotional opportunities.

                             SALARY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE FOR THIS POSITION.   

• Applicant must pass mandatory standardize testing for the program assigned to the position to maintain the position.
  
  
• Mandatory training varies from eight to ten weeks depending on the assigned program and may be scheduled at any DFCS training sites throughout Georgia.
  
  
• Although employees may be authorized to telework, upon completion of training, employees may also be subject to report to an office as requested. 

PG - E
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Under direct supervision, the selected candidate will work with customers to process applications and renewals to determine eligibility for DFCS programs. Specialists engage in a great deal of communication with applicants for aid programs. In addition to fact-checking, they can act as an information resource to people who need financial assistance. They may even play the role of counselor or advocate by advising people on what aid programs may benefit them and help them receive that benefit.

You may be assigned to one of the following units:
Economic Support Specialist 1

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps), Family Medicaid or Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD) Cases
• Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM) Unit: Family Medicaid Cases or Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD) Cases
• Customer Contact Center (CCC) - Call Center Unit - The call centers are located in Dougherty and Clayton counties. 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Determines initial and ongoing eligibility for Family Medicaid, Aged, Blind, Disabled Medicaid, or Food Stamps.
• Processes applications, reviews, hearing request and/or changes using appropriate criteria and polices consistently; according to establish guidelines.
• Records and evaluates personal and financial data obtained from individuals. 
• Register online applications, renewals, and process verification via Document System.
• Adheres to assigns daily work schedule, meets attendance standards as outlined in policy.
• Ability to answer a high volume of incoming calls from constituents inquiring about the Food Stamp, Medical Assistance, (PCK, P4HB, Family Medicaid, ABD) and TANF programs. - (Customer Contact Center Unit)
• Assists Limited English Proficiency and Sensory Impaired (LEPSI) by collaborating with the Language Line. – (Customer Contact Center Unit)
• Document all call information according to standard operating procedures.
• Keys in a high volume of data using standard office hardware and software.
• The capability of being flexible with work assignments and able to work in multiple queues. 
• Provides professional, courteous, and helpful customer service to our internal and external customers. 
• Review and process change requests over the phone when presented.        
• Performs other professional responsibilities as assigned.
• A minimum training score of 70% for online and 75% for classroom / Policy and Gateway training is required.

 

• High school diploma or GED AND (1) one year of related experience which involved customer contact/interaction.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:  
Preference will be given to candidates who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, demonstrate some or all the following skills/experience:

• Four (4) years related experience which involved customer contact/interaction as a regular part of the position OR combination of education and/or customer contact/interaction experience for a total four (4) years.
• Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and/or standard software applications typically used in a corporate office environment.
• Ability to enter a high volume of data effectively and accurately on a regular basis using standard office technology.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service skills including but not limited to the ability to work with people of different ethnic and social backgrounds. Also including the ability to work with all levels of leadership and management to resolve internal and external concerns.  

For more detailed information about the Georgia Department Human Services

                   https://dhs.georgia.gov/  

Employment Information
 
Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board (SPB) Rules regarding salary.
 
DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), email request by the closing date of this announcement to:  @HRHelpline
 
The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening, education verification, reference, motor vehicle records, and criminal background checks.
 
DHS accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DHS will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.
 
As an employee of DHS, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.
 
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring official for next steps in the selection process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.
 
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

Salary : $35,360