Job: Administrative Assistant to Public Assistance

Job Description

Job Type: Full time, Salaried

Wage: $40,000-$42,000/yr. 

Location: Leadville, CO.

Job Description

Makes initial contact with persons requesting financial, medical, food assistance, child support, and resources questions.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS – This position serves as the primary point of contact (in person at the front desk and via telephone) between the public, clients and the community and the Public Assistance Unit of the Lake County Department of Human Services. This contact happens via telephone, e-mail, mail, text and in person.

Essential Functions:

Duties

• Collects documentation and applications for persons requesting financial, medical, and food assistance as well any other programs operated by the Department or in the community.
• Assesses need, interprets programs, and makes referrals appropriate to services and assistance available in the Department or community
• Interviews the applicants for benefits, as needed.
• In the future Knowledge of the Client Benefits Management System (CBMS) will be required. Training will be provided.
• Answers phone calls and checks voicemails.
• Taking messages and then relaying client questions or needs to the appropriate party.
• Updates Public Assistance Techs on client appointments, client issues, and general office operations
• Sends client correspondence and other mail as requested by technicians.
• Makes collateral contacts as request by technicians and other workers.
• Handles and processes drop box, mail and fax daily.
• Will gather all documentation and provide it to required individual(s).
• Receives and documents client payments and takes direction from unit supervisors and financial manager on this task
• Makes referrals for fraud investigations when necessary and assisting Fraud Unit as requested
• Will maintain availability of forms outside the building. Ensure all forms provided to the public are accurate and professional.
• Distribute the EBT Card to eligible clients

Difficulty of Work

The complexity of the work deals with the intake of applications and verification of information to approve or deny assistance because of the number of programs, rules, regulations and their differences, revisions, and procedural changes. Marginal Functions: As a part of the Lake County Department of Human Services, this position is required to serve Lake County in Emergency Service Function 6 (Mass Care and Mass Shelter) as needed.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge and Ability Requirements:

Demonstration of maturity, critical thinking skills, and ability to make decisions in a timely and effective manner.

Knowledge of:

• Assistance available through other community agencies and/or programs
• Basic and effective communication techniques in dealing with escalated individuals
• Basic knowledge of or ability to learn and understand Human Services operations, procedures, and programs
• Excellent knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office Suite CBMS database EBT card process

Ability to:

• Serve as the main point of contact for the public both in-person and by phone, e-mail or mail.
• Provide excellent customer service in a service-related field with the ability to remain flexible and sensitive to a diverse clientele
• Efficiently plan, schedule, and organize, with keen attention to detail and ability to complete quality work amidst multiple, competing priorities
• Work as part of a team and effectively communicate and work with co-workers, clients, other agencies, and the public
• Assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions; ability to apply conflict resolution and problems solving skills in order to minimize negative personal impact
• Accurately and efficiently complete the necessary paperwork, reports, and documentation to ensure timely completion of work projects
• Apply basic math and read, interpret and apply manual regulations
• Understand and apply local office policy and procedures
• Make an objective distinction between relevant and non-relevant information when making decisions
• Read and interpret written material into practical application
• Detect errors and make corrections
• Work independently as appropriate
• Use standard office equipment to include computer (basic IT, internet, e-mail, and other databases), fax machine, copier, scanner and telephone
• Superior verbal and written communication skills and effective listening skills
• Must perform all aspects of job responsibilities with honesty and integrity

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

• High school or GED required
• Bi-lingual (Spanish) preferred
• At least two years of work experience with an emphasis in working with the public and customer service.

Training:

• CBMS Training Completion, fraud training, training on all program policies as appropriate

Equipment Utilized:

Standard office equipment

Contact with Others:

Contacts with applicants and recipients are to gather information, explain the program, procedures, and regulations, and make referrals to other available services. Contacts with the public are to verify income and resources and provide general information. Contact with PA unit members and all LCDSH staff that is professional, respectful and supportive of LCDHS management.

Supervisory Requirements:

The Supervisor of the Economic Security unit supervises this position.

Work Environment:

The majority of this person’s duties are performed within an indoor environment. The incumbent may be exposed to some noise (electrical, mechanical or human) on an occasional basis, and other related hazards associated with an office environment or public service desk serving a diverse clientele.

Hazards:

May work with escalated individuals

Lake County Benefits - Full-Time Employees

As a reflection of the value we place on the contributions of our employees, the County offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees. Please review the 2023 Benefits Guide for full details. The Guide provides information on Lake County Government's benefit offerings, including:

• Employer-Sponsored Medical and Dental Insurance Plans
• 100% Employer Paid Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Employer-Sponsored Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance Plans
• 401(a) and 457(b) Employer Matched Retirement Plans
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Days and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Public Health Emergency Leave
• Discounts on concerts, major sporting events, electronics, travel, cars and more!

Lake County Benefits - Part-Time Employees

Lake County is also proud to offer paid sick time off, Public Health Emergency Leave, and flexible work schedules for our part-time employees.

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.