Position Summary

The Eligibility Specialist is responsible for completing and/or processing, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and or income verification documents/ determining clients’ eligibility, and submitting applications for approval. These responsibilities require the employee to communicate with R2E Program managers and Human Resources, to support and assist in ensuring the client obtains approval for the WRT-U Program, and receive appropriate funding for services provided. The Eligibility Specialist must be able to provide technical assistance on the completion of TANF applications and eligibility redeterminations process to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.

Program Description:

Work Readiness Training University (WRT-U) [also referred to as Ready to Earn]

The WRT-U youth program is an experiential learning opportunity in which CUL provides TANF eligible Franklin County youth, ages 14-19, with work readiness training and project-based learning opportunities typically during the summer, now year-round. Youth can earn up to $3,350 in stipends and incentives for completing activities and projects as well as demonstrating knowledge and skill gains in OMJ Job Readiness Domains (reliability, work ethic, punctuality, discipline, teamwork/collaboration, digital technology, and career management).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Accurate and timely processing of new Youth TANF Applications.
• Determine child’s eligibility for funding for WRT-U TANF program within state and federal guidelines.
• Review income eligibility and use the appropriate rubric for qualifying calculations.
• Manage the number of TANF vs Non TANF approved applications to meet funder guidelines.
• Maintain accurate hard and electronic fiscal records, documents, files, and correspondence.
• Provide technical assistance to youth, families, and program staff for completing/reviewing TANF-related documents.
• Maintain the youth eligibility program database and/or other online data management systems.
• Collaborate and support specific program-related duties or goals of other WRTU operations team members: Project Manager, Finance Specialist, Program Compliance Specialist, Employer Relations Specialist, etc.
• Lead/Participate in program registration, recruitment, and/or marketing events.
• Conduct internal audits and compliance testing, monitoring, meeting, and report-outs, as needed.
• Generate reports, dashboards, trends, projections, etc. in written and/ oral communications, regularly and as requested.
• Provide staff training on the youth-eligibility process(es).
• Represent the program and leadership at meetings or committees to speak on youth eligibility process, progress, etc.
• Prepare presentations (verbally and written).

Other duties as assigned

Required Experience:

Job Requirements Education and Experience:

• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and demonstrate the ability to work independently and take initiative for process improvement.
• Experience working in a non-profit environment a plus.
• Excellent customer service skills in a high-volume environment and detail oriented.
• Experience with diverse populations.
• Ability to learn quickly and to be effective in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Must be proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe.
• This role requires flexibility, with the ability to work well under tight deadlines and respond to rapidly changing demands and fulfill efficient follow-ups.
• Must be extremely organized and highly disciplined, with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and anticipate needs and demonstrate capability to multi-task and work within strict deadlines and for long hours.
• Passion for mission driven and project work.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the willingness to be engaged in multiple projects at once.

• Experience operating virtual meeting platforms.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in related field from an accredited college with (2) years working experience

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must have knowledge of management principles, organizational structure, the people who manage the work and the processes applicable to government work.
• Knowledge of ethical issues of the professional practice of counseling and casework initiatives.
• Knowledge of current theory and practices, evaluation process and assessment techniques.
• Ability to interpret and apply rules and regulations.
• Ability to provide guidance to employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively and the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with executives, government officials and the general public.
• Must have good computer skills and be familiar with Microsoft Office.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and speak English proficiently.
• Bilingual preferred but not required.

Physical Demands

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and see.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to low.

Copy/Paste Requirements here
From: Columbus Urban League
Benefits:

Columbus Urban League offers benefits to all of its Full-Time employees, including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Employer Paid – Life Insurance & AD&D
• Supplemental insurance is also available to employees.
• 401k Plan (Part-Time employees also eligible)
• Generous Paid Time-Off policy and paid holidays.