Economic Self Sufficiency Specialist I

How an Economic Self Sufficiency Specialist Will Make a Difference:

Families in need and in crisis require time sensitive actions from strong, compassionate individuals who are dedicated to assisting the vulnerable and promoting strong self-sufficient families. This demanding and challenging career could be your opportunity to help those in need make a better life for themselves and their families. Every minute and every case processed count for those who are hungry, caring for others, in need of assistance to provide shelter for loved ones, or just need a helping hand, and your career choice could make a critical difference. This career does not require face to face contact with clients. However, it makes a tremendous impact on countless lives. If you are interested in making a difference, please join our TEAM!

Growth Opportunities:
With 12,000 employees across the state DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Our jobs are among the most challenging, complex, and difficult in State government. They are also among the most rewarding. All employees are encouraged to take advantage of available Department opportunities for advancement and professional development.

Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• No state income tax for residents of Florida
• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions. For more information, please click myfrs.com.
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers
• And more! For a more complete list of benefits, visit mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree, OR 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of college required. (When applying please attach required education, certification, or licensure). Work experience in customer service, or a job-related field, can be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
• Ability to attend an 8 - 12 week mandatory training course that could be scheduled during day, weekend, and evening hours.
• This position will require nights, weekend, and holiday work. It has also been designated as an essential position.  Incumbents are expected to work during emergency situations or natural disasters and may be required to work before, during and beyond normal work hours/days.

Specific Responsibilities:

The primary function of an Economic Self Sufficiency Specialist I involve determining the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs. The work performed includes processing data from electronic sources and entering information into a computer-based eligibility system under state and federal requirements. Eligibility workers are expected to handle a high volume of work which is deadline driven. Workers must be able to prioritize, plan and project their work, while remaining flexible to frequent changes in the program policy and/or computer-based systems. The typical duties of a typical day are as follows:

• Interviewing applicants to obtain and verify information needed to determine eligibility for Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance.
• Learning numerous state and federal program regulations, through intensive training prior to full case assignment and then ongoing training thereafter. This work is driven by ongoing reliance on regulations.
• Instructing clients in completion of various forms, and reviewing the applications and forms submitted for completeness and accuracy.
• Determining program eligibility in accordance with current regulations using a computer-based eligibility system.
• Researching information provided by an applicant until satisfactory explanations regarding eligibility status is confirmed.
• Reporting cases where identity theft or fraud is suspected.
• Advising clients of deadlines, time frames, and necessary actions to be taken.
• Working with clients who may not take the necessary actions within the required time frame.
• Establishing and maintaining multiple electronic files and conducting regular reviews and updates.
• Documenting all communications and contacts with clients.
• Managing an electronic caseload that varies based on the community needs, ensuring that accuracy levels are maintained, and cases are processed within the specified time frames set by federal and state regulations.
• Computing and authorizing public assistance benefits based on financial and family status. Reviewing and explaining the monthly benefit amount to the customer.
• Staying current with changes in rules, laws, procedures, etc. that affect timeliness and accuracy.