Benefits and Program Eligibility

First-level vocational position responsible for following set rules and procedures to routinely gather and analyze information to make immediate determinations and/or deliver direct services applicable to one of multiple eligibility areas and programs (e.g. food stamps, cash, medical assistance, workforce services, unemployment claims/contributions, etc.). At this level, employees apply guidelines to calculate benefits, if determined eligible, and issue assistance. Employees may also refer applicants to other agencies or other public programs or community resources. At this level, employees perform work under general supervision.

Second-level vocational position accountable for following set rules and procedures to perform case management on assigned caseloads with responsibility for determining initial and ongoing eligibility and issuing or identifying benefits for assistance, or matters involving employer liability. Employees apply experience to complete reviews of case documents to ensure program compliance and collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure appropriate benefits are obtained. At this level, employees may advocate in a reconsideration process.

First-level professional position considered an expert in a broad benefit area (e.g. public assistance programs, Medicaid, unemployment, etc.) that evaluates the effectiveness of benefit programs by auditing processes and reporting findings to the stakeholder. Employees may be the lead worker within a benefit area and assign and review the work of others. Employees at this level may assist in establishing public assistance programs in response to legislative mandate and recommend policy or policy revision to governing bodies. At this level, some employees may be responsible for overseeing and/or determining high value claims, benefits, eligibility (e.g. estate management), or tax liability through consideration of a wide range of legal, medical, occupational, and other factors to develop cases based upon complicated facts. At this level, employees may advocate in an appeals process.

Second-level professional position considered an expert in a more complex public assistance program; evaluates the effectiveness of benefit and eligibility programs by auditing processes and reporting findings to the stakeholder. At this level, employees are lead workers within their area of expertise and are resources for solving complex problems involving multiple programs or issues, coordination of benefits across multiple programs, or reconciliation of benefits or taxes paid in programs involving both state and federal laws and regulations. At this level, employees may advocate in an appeals process.

Positions at this level have supervisory responsibilities of vocational and/or professional employees within a benefit unit and are responsible for the operational results and service delivery of those individuals. Employees at this level may also participate in the work of individual contributors within a benefit area and are accountable for resolving disputes or conflicts which are outside of the decision-making authority or responsibility of individual contributors. Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline. Supervision at this level also requires these employees to have the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen.