Economic Assistance Case Aide

Description
Public Health and Human Services
Economic Assistance Case Aide
Level: 130
To be considered for this position, applicants must apply through MERIT: LINK TO APPLICATION
In addition, send your resume to cookcountyhr@co.cook.mn.us
What You Will Earn:The anticipated starting hourly rate for this position is $23.21 - $25.10/hour depending on experience. With a full future earning potential of $23.21 -$31.76)/hour ($48,276.80 - $66,060.80 annually). This position is a full-time 40 hours per week and eligible for full-time county BENEFITS PACKAGE.
Job Summary:
Under general supervision, provides office support to PHHS staff and customer service and program support to clients. Processes paperwork, applications, and medical support referrals in multiple computer systems. Manages the Health Care Access program; assists with preauthorized services, coordinates lodging, and authorizes expense reimbursement as directed by policy.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities:
The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Office Support

• Supports PHHS staff with technical support, data entry, photocopying, scanning, faxing, word processing of memos, reports, correspondence, audits, and creating files, meeting minutes, PowerPoint presentations, business cards, and program packets.
• Maintains policy and program manuals.
• Updates and monitors agency information in staff workroom and lobby.
• Schedules assessments, meetings, and reserves shared meeting spaces.
• Creates client profiles and documents for the Chemical Dependency program.
• Processes and date stamps incoming mail, faxes, applications, and handles returned mail.
• Prepares certified mail and operates a postage meter for outgoing mail and packages.

1. Case Aide

• Processes paperwork, collects data, and enters case notes into multiple computer systems.
• Assists and supports public health and social work staff in various projects and tasks.
• Assists eligibility specialists and schedules interviews for Economic Assistance programs.
• Enters financial assistance applications, health insurance applications, and data efficiently into multiple computer systems to meet program processing deadlines.
• Processes child support paperwork, enters evidence information, updates CSES DAIL messages, and completes medical support referrals in multiple computer systems.
• Issues electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. Acts as agency point of contact for EBT customer services. Researches EBT cases and card transactions when directed by income maintenance staff for possible fraud investigation referral.
• Scans documents to Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). Imports and exports case files through various county electronic portal systems or by creating and mailing compact discs. Facilitates case transfers to and from other counties.
• Completes METS Tasks (Cost Effective, Voter Registration, AREP, Case Ownership, and PMAP/MSHO).
• Attends annual trainings (e.g., DHS Fraud prevention; SNAP Civil Rights; FTI Safeguarding procedures; CMS fraud, waste and abuse; MN Information Security; MOAB).
• Completes biannual FEMA and ICS trainings as a function of county emergency response.

1. Health Care Access Coordinator

• Provides clients with an initial program overview and continuous client support for program navigation and utilization.
• Reviews, maintains, and develops program policies, forms, and educational materials.
• Liaison with the MN DHS Agency Policy Specialist regarding medical transportation program policy inquiries. Analyzes situations, makes cost effective determinations, and documents actions for consistent program application.
• Maintains program spreadsheet to track referral paperwork, preauthorized services (gas advances, bus cards, hotel stays), client program eligibility, and recoupment issues.
• Assists social workers and the In-Home Support Supervisor to coordinate medical transportation and lodging for clients.
• Reviews and authorizes reimbursement for medically required transportation and travel (e.g., mileage, meal, parking and/or hotel) expenses according to the county Health Care Access policy and as dictated by DHS policy.
• Requests follow up documentation (e.g., medical referral) and creates/mails ATS notices for incomplete claims and adjustments requiring client action.
• Processes Cost Effective Health Insurance premium reimbursements and Medicare Part B reimbursements.

1. Customer Service

• Directs calls, walk-ins, and greets visitors.
• Assists clients by identifying resources, providing information, and making referrals to staff, program applications, or other paperwork.
• Processes email, voicemail messages, and addresses work requests from internal staff.
• Accepts paperwork, records money/checks received, and issues client receipts.

Non-Essential Functions:

1. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience

• Associate degree.
• One (1) year clerical and/or customer service experience.
• Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Desired: Prior experience in a human services agency.

Required Certifications/Licenses

• Valid driver's license.
• Obtain DHS certification and PRISM system clearance within one month of hire.

Internal/External Relationships:

• Interacts daily with county office staff for exchange of information and computer support.
• Interacts daily with the general public, court staff, clients, school staff, and social service community professionals for customer service and the exchange of information.
• Interacts regularly with community providers.

Working Environment:

• Duties are performed in a regular office environment.
• Occasional travel outside the office is required for training, Case Aide tasks, meetings, or presentations at community agencies.
• Involves frequent direct and telephone contact with clients that may be hostile, threatening or abusive.
• May involve exposure to persons with communicable illnesses and unpleasant odors.
• Frequent exposure to smoke saturated paperwork, clients, and third-hand smoke (exposure to chemicals by touching contaminated surfaces or breathing in the off-gassing from those surfaces).

Physical Requirements Of This Position:

• Sit or stand at a desk for extended periods of time and perform work at a computer.
• Hear and speak effectively to communicate in person and over the phone.
• Visual acuity to visually evaluate clients, read computer screens and printed documents, and to drive a vehicle.
• Physical ability to move about the office.
• Manual dexterity to:

• Type on a keyboard and calculator and use a computer mouse;
• Perform manual tasks such as handwriting, searching through documents, and sorting/compiling material.
• Office work may include reaching for documents and supplies, standing or kneeling to search through file cabinets, fingering to find files, and grasping documents.
• Lift and carry files and boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Computers, Windows Operating System, MS Office, internet browsers, and specialized software
• Technical terminology
• DHS policies, rules and regulations
• Situational awareness of job/ department function

SKILLS:

• Keyboarding
• Interpersonal communication
• Conflict resolution
• Time management
• Stress management
• Customer service
• Verbal communication (face to face and phone)
• Written communication

ABILITIES:

• Maintain confidentiality
• Maintain professional relationships
• Demonstrate Adaptability
• Work effectively with different styles and diverse groups of people
• Trust development with diverse individuals
• Distraction management used in open and busy office setting
• Frequent Multitasking
• Compartmentalization
• Collaboration within team, across departments, and external stakeholders
• Prioritization of assigned work
• Display and Convey Compassion
• Display and Convey Empathy
• Creative problem solving
• Manage unpredictable situations in public interactions

"This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer"
Cook County MN will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or status about public assistance. We take affirmative steps to ensure that all our county's employment practices are free of discrimination.