Eligibility and Benefits Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Benefits and Eligibility Coordinator is responsible for coordinating, obtaining, maintaining, and monitoring governmental benefits and entitlements programs on behalf of the clients served by the Office of the Public Guardian.

The Benefits and Eligibility Coordinator serves as a liaison between the Public Guardian Program and federal, state, county, and local agencies, including, but not limited to, the Social Security Administration (SSA), Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Medicaid Long-Term Care programs, and the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County.

This position is responsible for identifying benefits for which Wards may be eligible; completing and submitting applications, renewals, redetermination, and other required documentation; monitoring eligibility requirements and deadlines; and taking appropriate action to obtain new benefits and prevent the unnecessary interruption or loss of existing benefits.

The Benefits and Eligibility Coordinator works closely with Guardian Representatives, facilities, physicians, case managers, healthcare providers, financial staff, and other appropriate parties to obtain the information and documentation necessary to establish and maintain each Wards benefits and entitlements.

The position requires regular follow-up with government agencies and other entities and may require travel to local agencies, facilities, or other locations as necessary to complete benefit-related matters on behalf of Wards.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

The Benefits and Eligibility Coordinator will:

- Research available federal, state, county, and local benefit and entitlements programs and identify programs for which Wards served may qualify.

- Complete, submit, monitor, and track applications for new benefits, renewals, recertifications, and annual redeterminations within all required deadlines.

- Maintain an organized and reliable tracking system for all benefit applications, renewals, redeterminations, requests for information, appointments, deadlines, pending matters, and required follow-up.

- Proactively monitor benefit expiration and renewal dates and initiate the necessary action sufficiently in advance to prevent avoidable delays, interruptions, or termination of benefits.

- Obtain and review information and documentation necessary to complete benefit applications and maintain eligibility, including financial, medical, residential, and other supporting documentation.

- Notify appropriate agencies of changes affecting a Wards eligibility or benefits, including changes in residence, income, assets, medical status, level of care, or other relevant circumstances.

- Communicate and coordinate with physicians, healthcare providers, facilities, Guardian Representatives, case managers, financial personnel, and other appropriate parties to obtain documentation required by federal, state, county, and local agencies.

- Notify appropriate agencies and provide required documentation when a Ward has been appointed a legal guardian, when there is a change in guardianship status, or upon the death of a Ward.

- Investigate, troubleshoot, and assist in resolving issues involving delayed, denied, suspended, reduced, or terminated benefits.

- Respond timely to agency requests for additional information, verification, documentation, interviews, or other actions necessary to establish or maintain benefits.

- Maintain regular communication with the appropriate Guardian Representative and other program staff regarding the status of applications, pending matters, outstanding documentation, approaching deadlines, and issues requiring attention.

- Document benefit-related activity, correspondence, applications, approvals, denials, notices, and follow-up in the Wards electronic record and/or paper file in accordance with program procedures.

- Ensure that entitlement and benefits information in each Wards record is accurate, complete, and current.

- Maintain reports and tracking tools that clearly identify the status of each Wards benefits, pending applications, renewal dates, outstanding items, deadlines, and follow-up actions.

- Maintain copies of applications, confirmations, correspondence, notices, eligibility determinations, and other supporting documentation in the appropriate Ward record.

- Schedule and maintain appointments with government agencies and other entities as necessary and ensure required appointments, interviews, and deadlines are met.

- Follow up consistently on pending applications and unresolved benefit matters until a determination or resolution is received and documented.

- Remain knowledgeable regarding changes to federal, state, and local benefit programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and reporting requirements, and communicate relevant changes to appropriate program staff.

- Protect the confidentiality of Ward information and comply with applicable program policies and legal requirements concerning confidential and sensitive information.

- Travel to government offices, facilities, healthcare providers, and other locations as necessary to complete benefit-related responsibilities.

- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director and/or Associate Director.

Qualifications

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS :

- Bachelors degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Business, Finance, or Social Work from an accredited college/university.

- Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working with public benefits, government entitlement programs, eligibility determination, social services, guardianship, case management, or a related field.

- Knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to learn, public benefit programs including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Medicare, Medicaid Long-Term Care, Veterans benefits, and other federal, state, and local assistance programs applicable to the population served.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as internet-based systems, electronic records, databases, and other internal and external software applications.

- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple cases, applications, deadlines, and follow-up requirements simultaneously.

- Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, identify problems, and follow matters through to resolution.

- Strong problem-solving, research, documentation, and follow-up skills

- Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate professionally with government agencies, healthcare providers, facilities, program staff, Wards, and other involved parties.

- Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records and handle confidential information appropriately.

- Must successfully complete all required background screening, including a Level II background screening, and any other screening required by the program or applicable law.

- Must possess a valid drivers license and have reliable transportation to travel to agencies, facilities, and other locations as required by the position.

- Must successfully complete the required 40-Hour Guardianship Training Course within one (1) year of employment.

- Must successfully pass the Florida guardianship competency examination within one (1) year of employment, if required for the position.