Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, COMM&SOCIAL SRV-APS/CHILDCARE/SUMMERFOOD PRG (COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES-APS/CHILDCARE/SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM) DIVISION, SHELBY COUNTY

This is a Remote position (Work from Home).

Minimum Qualifications

Education and experience: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time experience working in professional case management involving children, adults, and/or families or determining eligibility for State or Federal benefit programs.

Other Requirements

Necessary Special Qualifications: None

Job Overview

This classification learns to perform professional Child Care payment assistance eligibility determination work of routine difficulty. An employee in this class is responsible for interviewing Child Care applicants and obtaining verifications necessary to determine eligibility and providing support to Child Care providers. This classification performs responsibilities at the entry level under direct supervision. This class differs from the DHS Child Care Specialist 2 in that the incumbent of the latter functions at the working level.

• An applicant appointed to this classification will be reclassified to a DHS Child Care Specialist 2 after successful completion of a mandatory one-year training period; 'unacceptable' or 'needs improvement' performance ratings during the training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Work Activities

• Learns to review applications and verification documents obtained via electronic, verbal, or physical means and uses information obtained to determine eligibility for Child Care payment assistance. Learns to use relevant information and policy application to ensure compliance with State and Federal guidelines and meet quality and timeliness standards.
• Learns to review provided documents and information from various databases to accurately enter data into eligibility determination systems. Learns to document all relevant records and actions related to services provided into eligibility determination and electronic file retention systems as an official record for the department
• Learns to interview applicants to validate data and gather additional information regarding applicant's circumstances to protect data integrity, determine eligibility, and provide consumer education. Learns to identify applicant barriers and needs and connect applicants to other resources.
• Learns to provide ongoing case management by completing redeterminations, processing applicant changes, and identifying and correcting case errors to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, identify fraudulent information/activities, and prevent misappropriation of funds.
• Learns to research, respond, and attempt to resolve complaints and other disputes for customers or child care providers through mediation, discussions, or other problem-solving techniques deemed appropriate to promote positive outcomes.
• Learns to provide consistent information of departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to applicants, child care providers, and internal and external partners. Learns to address general concerns regarding agency programs, policies, and procedures. Learns to provide education on various child care programs and advise of available service options.
• Learns to promote a cohesive team and work environment by sharing vital case and program information. Participates in brainstorming sessions with supervisors and co-workers to formulate and share innovative ideas to solve problems and improve service delivery.
• Learns to provide support and education to providers regarding the payment process. Learns to support the fiscal process by resolving provider payment discrepancies.
• Learns to review and respond to general and case specific inquiries from the public, applicants, and child care providers.

Competencies (KSA'S)

• Knowledge of customer service best practices and managing files and records.
• Skilled in critical thinking, active learning and listening, being objective, and making quality decisions.
• Skilled in basic mathematics and Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to learn quickly and efficiently and use inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with sensitivity to problems.
• Competent in working independently and as part of a team, being flexible, and managing conflict.

Tools and Equipment Used

• General office equipment
• Computer/laptop/tablet
• Multifunctional Printer (print/scan/copy/fax)
• Cell Phone
• Virtual meeting platforms

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.