What are the responsibilities and job description for the Income Maintenance Caseworker - Bedford County Assistance Office position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
The Income Maintenance Caseworker role with the Department of Human Services (DHS) gives you the chance to lift up your community in a meaningful way. Each day brings important conversations with people who are looking for clear guidance and renewed hope. Your steady focus and strong ability to recommend solutions can help families move toward greater stability and confidence. Join the Bedford County Assistance Office (CAO) and build a rewarding career that makes a real and lasting difference for others.
Watch this video to see how you can make a difference!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on determining eligibility for a variety of assistance programs while supporting customers with clear guidance and timely casework. After attending an 8-week Income Maintenance Standard Training Program (IMSTP), you will be completing your job duties in an office setting environment. As an Income Maintenance Caseworker, you will perform the following duties:
- Eligibility Review: Evaluate applications and determine eligibility for programs such as financial assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, Nursing Home Care, and Waivers
- Customer Interviews: Conduct phone and in-person interviews to gather information and understand customer circumstances
- Policy Application: Interpret and apply state and federal regulations to ensure accurate case decisions
- Data Entry: Enter information into automated systems and perform manual calculations for case processing
- Case Documentation: Write clear and thorough case comments to record changes and document decisions
- Deadline Management: Complete all assigned work within required timeframes and established procedures
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
- Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch. This may change based on operational needs.
- Overtime and travel as operationally necessary
- Telework: This position may be eligible to telework part time. Specific details of the telework schedule will be discussed during the interview process. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Bedford, PA. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.
- Work Conditions: Assigned duties are performed in a controlled office environment. In counties with district offices, employees may be reassigned to different work sites due to operational needs. Reassignments will be made in compliance with contract language.
- Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $53,008.00 (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- Four years of experience in interviewing or work requiring the analysis and interpretation of data; or
- A bachelor's degree; or
- Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
- Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Other Requirements:
- You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
- Hiring preference for this vacancy may be given to candidates who live within Bedford County. If no eligible candidates who live within Bedford County apply for this position, candidates who reside in other counties may be considered.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
- A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
- You must pass a background investigation.
- This position will have access to Federal Tax Information (FTI) and is subject to the provisions of IRS Publication 1075 (Pub 1075) which requires you to pass an enhanced background check prior to beginning employment. Under Pub 1075, acceptance of a conditional offer of employment will require submission to and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to: a fingerprint-based federal records check; a PA State Police clearance; a check of local law enforcement agencies where you have lived, worked, and/or attended school within the last five (5) years; and a citizenship/residency verification.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
- You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Retirement PlanSalary : $53,008 - $80,646