ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST

Company Description
Job Description
Domestic Violence Services (DVS) provides a variety of comprehensive immediate and long-term support services to survivors of Domestic Violence and their families. DVS provides oversight for the largest domestic shelter system in the country which provides safety and services for this vulnerable population. This network of more than 55 emergency domestic violence shelters provide temporary emergency housing, and supportive services to over 17,500 victims of domestic violence and their children annually. DVS provides oversight and funding for the 24-hour domestic violence hotline. DVS also administers the No Violence Again (NOVA) program located at the DHS intake center and the Domestic Violence Liaison Unit, which provides domestic violence counseling and intervention at Job Centers. DVS partners with a network of community-based organizations, that provide counseling, legal services, financial development services, and job readiness for domestic violence survivors. In addition, DVS leads a nationally recognized domestic violence primary prevention effort, the Teen Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP).
Domestic Violence Services (DVS) is recruiting for two (2) Eligibility Specialist III, to function as an Eligibility Specialists in the Domestic Violence Liaison Division/AVENT Division, who will:
Under the direct supervision of Eligibility Supervisor, will be responsible for determining eligibility for public assistance for clients referred to the Domestic Violence Liaison Special Services Unit, and will:
-Inform participants about time-limited benefits, and objectives of the program that are aimed at overcoming the barriers to employment and independent living.
-Conduct thorough interviews to determine continued financial eligibility and the issuance of accurate benefits per agency guidelines. Clearly explain all case actions to participants.
-Provide information about transitional benefits to encourage financial independence through employment.
-Identify and provide special and or emergency needs in a timely manner.
-Authorize statistical and financial changes in assistance and/ or budgets resulting from valid information received and prepare all required forms to effect processing.
-Maintain a caseload by managing time effectively including Face-to Face recertification interviews, participants' appointment schedules, processing paperwork, training and meetings.
-Accurately complete Fair Hearing/Aid to Continue compliance and resolutions within prescribed deadlines.
-Complete agency forms to facilitate the appropriate issuance of benefits and participants notification.
-Make appropriate referrals and schedule appointments.
Qualifications
1. Completion of 60 semester credits at an accredited college; or
2. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and two years 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 decisions concerning eligibility for public assistance or unemployment, health benefits, social security, casualty, property or liability insurance, or 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 representative responsible for making determinations; or
c. Dealing with social service agencies or aiding individuals in solving housing, social, financial or health problems as a community organization representative; or
3. 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 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. Examples of unacceptable work experience include, but are not limited to, experience as a token clerk, check-out clerk, sales clerk, teacher's aide, cashier, receptionist or secretary.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.