ELIGIBILITY WORKER

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.

The HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) is the most comprehensive program of its kind in the country, helping New Yorkers living with HIV or AIDS live healthier and more independent lives. We assist with an individualized service plan that targets the support and necessary benefits that are specific to a client’s medical situation that will enhance his or her well-being. In addition, this Agency has a legal mandate, based on Local Law 49 and the Henrietta D. versus Giuliani Federal court case, to ensure that HASA clients are serviced promptly.

HASA provides intensive case management, rental assistance, emergency and non-emergency housing, and assistance with applying for public benefits and services including Medicaid, food stamps and cash assistance.

HASA also provides vocational services that prepare clients for work. With counselors to help identify barriers to employment, clients can select vocational goals and receive support. Other HASA services include home care and homemaking services, mental health and substance use screening and treatment referrals, transportation assistance, referrals to community-based organizations, SSI or SSD application and appeal.

HASA is recruiting for four (4) Eligibility Specialist III's, to function as Eligibility Workers who will:

• Perform initial assessment and recertification interviews to document mandated information, assesses need and level of assistance, while verifying that the consumer has presented all necessary documentation by annotating case record and making copies. In those cases where further documentation is required, follow-up appointments are scheduled.
• Determine initial and continuing eligibility for HASA services by using automated computer systems such as Welfare Management Systems (WMS), Paperless Office Systems (POS), Family Care Tracking, System (FACTORS) on consumer demographics, and refers consumers to Eligibility Verification Review (EVR) and Automated Finger Imaging System, WINROO, and Turn Around Documents (TADS).
• Prepare regular and bottom-fine budgets to determine the amount of benefits when there is income in the household and when individuals in the household have income that must be used towards the assessment for food stamps.
• Review pertinent consumer data from HASA databases, State Welfare Systems. Submitted documentation, computer printouts, matches and files, to enter client specific information into systems and process clearances as they develop.
• Prepare detailed write-ups on case decisions and histories utilizing history sheets (W25s) as mandated to support eligibility decisions made on actions rendered for ongoing or one-shot deal cases. Initiates benefit payments to consumers after validating budgets ensuring that benefits are submitted through the EPFT system by required roll out dates.
• Prepare case TADS to reflect changes in household composition or correct incorrect information. Liaisons with courts, marshals, landlords, and utility companies on behalf of clients in regard to inquiries, dispossess', utility shut offs and funds due to these sources.
• Evaluate consumers to verify if they meet the specific mandated requirements for various special grants: rehousing, furniture, clothing, and utility connection fees; for those meeting minimum requirements appropriate procedures are completed.
• Maintain daily Tickler Files for W908T Face-to-Face Recertification return form, Application Data, WI 13K Return with Additional documentation form, Emergency Checks, and WI 06 Cards.
• Prepare daily transmittals on case actions for supervisor's weekly reports.

Work Location(s): Queensboro- 33-28 Northern Blvd, Long Island City, NY Garrison- 890 Garrison Ave, Bronx, NY Hours/Schedule: 9:00a- 5:00p

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of 30 semester credits at an accredited college or university; or
• A four high school diploma or its educational equivalent and one year of full-time satisfactory experience in one or more of the following areas; performing the work described below: a. Interviewing, gathering information and/or preparing necessary documentation for the purpose of making recommendations concerning eligibility for public assistance or unemployment, health benefits, social security, insurance, or participation in social services or community programs, and other similar benefits; or b. Performing bookkeeping, bank teller duties, housing office teller duties, purchasing agent, assistant store manager, sales representative responsible for accounts, or customer service duties or a job in which the duties include helping customers with questions or concerns; or c. Dealing with social service agencies, legal representatives, or aiding individuals in navigating housing, social, financial or health problems or application systems; or
• A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above. College education may be substituted for the experience in "2" above on the basis that 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university may be substituted for each year of required experience. However, all candidates must have at least a four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent. Special Note Work experience which provides only incidental opportunities to perform the job duties as described in "2a", "2b" and "2c" above are not acceptable for meeting the minimum qualification requirements.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services offers competitive salaries and the following benefits: Generous Pension Plans (The New York Employees' Retirement System).

401(k) and Roth 457 Retirement Savings Programs. U.S. Savings Bonds Flexible Spending Program. Health Benefits, Dental, Vision Coverage, Prescription Drug Program. Training and Professional Development Opportunity for Scholarship; College Savings Program. Paid Holidays and Generous Annual Leave.