Eligibility Specialist

Join SCTCA as an Eligibility Specialist and play a vital role in serving the health, welfare, safety, education, cultural, economic, and employment needs of our tribal members and enrolled Indians in the San Diego County urban areas.

Under the general supervision of the TANF Site Manager, the Eligibility Specialist will perform various duties involving initial and ongoing eligibility determination of applicants and participants for TANF services. This includes advising TANF participants of program services, maintaining assigned caseloads, and assisting other support staff in related duties.

1. Conduct interviews with applicants and recipients of TANF services to obtain financial and other eligibility data.
2. Review applicants' documents for completeness, legibility, and accuracy.
3. Interpret and explain regulations and requirements of the various TANF services.
4. Analyze financial and eligibility information to determine initial or continuing eligibility for one or more categories of TANF services.
5. Contact county community agencies and programs to verify eligibility data and clarify discrepancies.
6. Ensure applicants and participants understand their TANF rights and responsibilities.
7. Compute benefits for which participants are eligible and initiate and update documents.
8. Attend Tribal and other special events for outreach and/or networking.
9. Organize caseloads and files to process and update necessary records and documents within specific deadlines.
10. Process monthly cash assistance, child care, transportation, and other supplements.
11. Provide clarification to participants or others concerning their status or other pertinent situations.
12. Complete and review basic computer documents, input, and access data from the computer network database.
13. Interpret TANF Plan, Federal Regulations, and Program guidelines to best serve families.
14. Investigate case discrepancies as needed.
15. Pick up and deliver participants to and from various locations for trainings, appointments, and special activities.
16. Maintain strict confidentiality of all facts of programs and client records.

Education & Experience: Minimum High School Diploma and three (3) years' work experience in a case eligibility capacity.

Or, Associate's degree or higher with two (2) years' work experience in a case eligibility capacity.

• Experience with the application of TANF policies and procedures (preferred not required).
• Experience with intake procedures and conducting client interviews.
• Experience with the policies and procedures of case eligibility systems, the methods for assessing client needs, and developing and implementing case requirements.
• Experience in developing and maintaining relationships of trust, cooperation, and good rapport with staff, administrators, and clients.
• Experience working under minimal supervision in high-stress situations to accomplish tasks within specific deadlines.
• Experience collecting and evaluating data and formulating recommendations.
• Experience handling complaints, disputes, grievances, and conflicts with others.
• Experience with database systems.

Certificates & Licenses: Valid California Driver's License with driving record acceptable to SCTCA's insurance.

Knowledge Requirements: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to speak persuasively with individuals and groups. Strong mathematical and problem-solving skills. Possess well-developed skills in prioritizing, organizing, time management, and verbal/written communication skills. Computer literate with the ability to operate a PC and MS software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Proficient in using virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, etc. Knowledge of Indian history, culture, and politics a plus.

Physical: Typically requires sitting for extended periods of time. Lifts and moves objects on occasion weighing up to 25 pounds. Primarily an indoor office environment.

Conditions of Employment: Candidates are required to successfully complete required background check and drug screening.