Assistance Payments Technician at County of Huerfano (CO) – Walsenburg, Colorado

DUTIES:
Gathers, assembles, and reviews information supplied by applicants and recipients, regarding
financial and non-financial criteria relevant to the initial and continuing eligibility for food
assistance, categorical assistance, and/or medical assistance. Verifies certain information given
by applicants by direct contact, collateral contacts, phone contacts, and/or home visits.

Determines the need for recovery of funds or referral for fraud investigation. Completes
informational reports to the proper investigative resource in cases of suspicioned fraud. Verifies
the pertinent statements given the agency by phone contacts, written requests, and/or direct
contact with collateral resources. Prepares for and testifies at evidentiary or other hearings.

Informs the applicant/recipient of the relevant requirements and benefits of programs for which
they may be eligible. Clarifies and interprets to the client(s) their appeals rights. Assists and
guides the applicants in completing forms, securing the documents and other verifications
needed in completing their application. On an ongoing basis, informs recipients of changes in
the law or regulations, which affect their continuing eligibility and/or the amount of their grant.

Approves/denies applications. Informs applicant within the appropriate time frame and in terms
they can understand of the approval or denial of their application.

Interfaces on a daily basis with CBMS computer system and EDMS scanning system, requiring
accurate and complete data entry.

Assists customers by providing a call center for all questions related to application and ongoing
cases status and general programming information.

Provide immediate responses to telephone inquiries, information and referral and link clients to
other community agencies for available services or assistance.


JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DIFFICULTY OF WORK:
This is a technical training level position which requires incumbent to learn and apply rules and
regulations, develop interviewing and other communication skills, and utilize information
systems and reports to update or review client information.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Performs additional tasks as assigned, including filling in for other staff as necessary and/or
required.
• May be required to work alternate schedules and/or in other work locations.
• Possess oral and written skills to communicate effectively, including but not limited to
communicating actively, clearly, and regularly with supervisors and/or co-workers on all work-
related topics.
• Understands, observes, enforces, and complies with all County and Departmental policies,
procedures, and protocols when performing job duties both on and off County premises.
• Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with all County employees,
customers, vendors, and community members.
• May be required to effectively manage multiple projects, deal with stressful situations, and
adapt to sudden and unexpected changes in work assignments.

RESPONSIBILITY:
Supervisor provides training and detailed instructions on rules, regulations, procedures, forms,
equipment and communication techniques. Work is closely reviewed for complete
documentation and accurate eligibility decisions.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:
Contacts with recipients are to gather information, determine eligibility, 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.

PHYSICAL EFFORT/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is usually performed in a standard office environment where there is freedom to sit, stand,
or walk at will.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
Experience: Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, two years of full time clerical
or extensive public contact experience, excellent customer service skills, advanced computer
skills, and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

CBI, FBI background checks and drug testing are required. Huerfano County is an equal
opportunity employer.