COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL, INC. 

Job Title:Eligibility Technician I/II/III/IV

Department:Financial Assistance

Reports To:Eligibility Supervisor/Eligibility Manager

Supervises:None

FLSA Status:Non-Exempt

Pay Grade:N3 (I), N4 (II), N5 (III), N6 (IV)

Job Type:Regular, Full-Time

AKBCU: No          ICPA: Yes

 

General Functions:

The Eligibility Technician is responsible for initial services/assistance application processing and ongoing case maintenance to assist participants in meeting their economic needs. This position conducts data collection to ensure proper determination analysis is in alignment with regulations, policies and procedures for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Short Term Assistance, BIA General Assistance (GA), Burial Assistance, P.L. 102-477 Employment Services, Child Care Assistance (CCA) and Tribal Heating Assistance (THA). Working in partnership with our people, the Eligibility Technician develops opportunities that fulfill our endless potential by providing comprehensive eligibility services. The role requires strong analytical abilities, cultural competency, and dedication to helping Alaska Native and American Indian participants access essential support services.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Eligibility Technician I

• Master regulations, policies, and procedures associated with P.L. 102-477 Employment Services, Burial Assistance, Tribal Heating Assistance (THA), and partnering agency regulations as they pertain to CITC services.
• Establish rapport and develop positive working relationships with participants and community partners.
• Screen, assess and provide referrals to meet participant needs for comprehensive support services.
• Gather required documentation including income, resources, expenses, participant identification and other relevant materials for service applications.
• Conduct interviews and determine participant eligibility for Employment Services, Burial Assistance, Tribal Heating Assistance, and Weatherization Services within timeframes.
• Ensure accurate and timely communication regarding eligibility statuses with participants, appropriate CITC staff, and authorized community partners.
• Issue proper supportive services for eligible participants and ensure payments are issued within proper timeframes to vendors.
• Assist with home and/or worksite visits with participants to assess ongoing needs and program compliance.
• Maintain an active participant caseload with accurate documentation and timely follow-up.
• Work as part of a cohesive team who recognize and understand their role within the larger departmental team.
• Attend and actively participate in department meetings and trainings to enhance professional development.
• Maintain confidentiality according to regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform all related duties as needed and assigned.

Eligibility Technician II

• Perform all duties and responsibilities of Eligibility Technician I with a higher level of proficiency.
• Support Eligibility Technician I staff by answering questions, providing guidance, and making recommendations related to position duties and responsibilities.
• Master regulations, policies, and procedures associated with Child Care Assistance (CCA), General Assistance (GA), and Short-Term Assistance programs.
• Screen, assess and provide referrals to meet participant needs for CCA, GA, and Short-Term Assistance programs.
• Gather required documentation for income, resources, expenses, participant identification and other relevant materials for CCA, GA, and Short-Term Assistance applications.
• Conduct interviews and determine participant eligibility for Child Care Assistance, General Assistance, and Short-Term Assistance within required timeframes.
• Ensure accurate and timely communication regarding eligibility statuses with participants, appropriate CITC staff, and authorized community partners.
• Track and document all pertinent information in participant files utilizing appropriate databases for data entry including case notes, payments, goals, and terminations.
• Correct any actions on cash assistance determinations that resulted in payment errors.

Eligibility Technician III

• Perform all duties and responsibilities of Eligibility Technician I and II with an advanced level of proficiency.
• Master regulations, policies, and procedures associated with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
• Screen, assess and provide referrals to meet participant needs for TANF program services.
• Gather required documentation for income, resources, expenses, participant identification and other relevant documentation that pertains to TANF applications.
• Conduct initial interviews and determine participant eligibility for TANF program within required timeframes.
• Ensure accurate and timely communication regarding eligibility statuses with participants, appropriate CITC staff, and authorized community partners.
• Correct actions on cash assistance determinations that resulted in errors and implement preventive measures.

Eligibility Technician IV

• Perform all duties and responsibilities of Eligibility Technician I, II, and III with an advanced level of proficiency.
• Develop and implement training on regulations, policies, procedures and best practices for eligibility determination.
• Support Eligibility Technicians I-III by answering questions, providing guidance, and making recommendations related to eligibility processing.
• Assist the Eligibility Supervisor in quality assurance through conducting and recording case file audits.
• Function as acting Eligibility Supervisor in Eligibility Supervisor's absence, maintaining operational continuity.

Job Specifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to interact effectively with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple activities and meet strict regulatory deadlines.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the social, health, educational, training, and cultural needs of the Alaska Native and American Indian community.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply program policies, procedures, guidelines, and instructions through formal and on-the-job training.
• Demonstrated ability to apply interviewing and investigative techniques to determine eligibility.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals for various audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from participants, regulatory agencies, or community partners.
• Ability to interpret and apply program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures while making initial and continuing eligibility determinations within strict time frames.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team atmosphere while maintaining individual accountability.

Minimum Core Competencies:

CITC Values, Respectful Leadership, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving/Critical Thinking, Communication Skills.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Continued employment is contingent upon completion of satisfactory state and federal fingerprint criminal background check.
• Knowledge of Alaska Native and American Indian culture and/or community resources.

Eligibility Technician I

• High school diploma or GED.
• One (1) year of related work experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities related to this position.

Eligibility Technician II

• Associate's degree in Business, Accounting or related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Two (2) years of related work experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities related to this position.

Eligibility Technician III

• Associate's degree in Business, Accounting or related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Three (3) years of related work experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities related to this position.

Eligibility Technician IV

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting or related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Four (4) years of related work experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities related to this position.
• One (1) year in a lead or supervisory role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Alaska Native and American Indian populations.
• Knowledge of federal and state assistance programs including TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid.
• Experience with eligibility determination systems and databases.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Alaska Native languages.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and consistently working on a computer with repetitive motion.
• The need to occasionally move around the office to access filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and office equipment may be necessary.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner.

 

Disclaimer
The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.