Eligibility/ Referral Specialist 2 - Bilingual

NOTICE OF CAREER OPPORTUNITY

TITLE: Eligibility/Referral Specialist 2 - Bilingual

DEPARTMENT: Job & Family Services - Income Maintenance

Ottawa County, a largely rural county on the shores of Lake Erie, is currently seeking applicants to fill the position of Eligibility/ Referral Specialist 2 - Bilingual, in the Income Maintenance division. In this role, you will be part of a team of community members working to assist individuals with public assistance benefits during their time of need. Over the course of a career in this field, an Eligibility/ Referral Specialist helps individuals and families address food security, access to healthcare and connects them to resources to move from poverty to self-sufficiency. This includes interviewing applicants and collecting documentation of need for programs such as Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, Ohio Works First and Medicaid. This work requires an individual to maintain communications with ongoing public assistance clients to determine their continued eligibility for public assistance; ensure accurate case records; answer questions and inquires, explain programs, and make referrals to other departments within the agency or other agencies in the community as needed. Additionally, bilingual staff provide interpretation services in Spanish for all divisions of the agency, as needed. The successful candidate will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, while also respecting agency and client confidentiality principles.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bilingual in Spanish, AND One year experience as an Eligibility/Referral Specialist 1; OR two years of experience as Unit Support Worker 2 or Clerical Specialist 2; OR completion of undergraduate major core course work in behavioral science, social science or education, one course or six months experience in interviewing techniques, and one course or six months experience in typing, keyboarding, or word processing; OR two courses or one year of experience in behavioral science or social science, one course or six months experience interviewing techniques, and one course or six months experience in typing, keyboarding, or word processing; OR completion of two years of technical education in behavioral science, social science, or customer service techniques, one course or six months experience in business mathematics, one course or six months experience in business English, one course or six months experience in interviewing techniques, and one course or six months experience in typing, keyboarding or word processing. OR education, training and/or experience in an amount equal to the Minimum Qualifications stated above

STARTING PAY: $18.33 per hour, with increase at completion of probationary period, if have prior experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs and if bilingual.

FRINGE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

➢ Flexible work hours

➢ Pre-tax Flexible Medical Spending and Dependent Care Account or Health Savings Account

➢ Employer sponsored health insurance which includes dental and vision

➢ Prescription drug card

➢ Paid sick leave if leave available

➢ Paid vacation (after 60 days of service)

➢ Deferred compensation plans available

➢ Hybrid work schedule (in office/ remote) after completion of training period

Qualified applicants should submit a resume and cover letter by December 20, 2024 to:

BY MAIL:

Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services

Attention: Marci Frederick

8043 W. State Route 163, Suite 200 Oak Harbor, OH 43449

EMAIL: marci.frederick@jfs.ohio.gov

FAX: 419-734-6885

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.73 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $19