DCS MAXIMIZATION SPECIALIST - ASSOCIATE* - 03262024- 56550

Job Information

Opening Date/Time03/26/2024 12:00AM Central TimeClosing Date/Time04/01/2024 11:59PM Central TimeSalary (Monthly)$3,150.00Salary (Annually)$37,800.00Job TypeFull-TimeCity, State LocationPulaski, TNDepartmentChildren's ServicesState of Tennessee Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES, CHILD AND FAMILY MANAGEMENT DIVISION, GILES COUNTY

The Maximization Specialist Associate is part of a team that explores the potential for Title IVE, Medicaid, SSI, VA, and Child Support for children in state custody as well as children who are receiving adoption assistance.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time eligibility determination experience or professional funding determination experience at a professional, paraprofessional, or technical level may be substituted for the required education, on a year-for-year basis, to a maximum of four years.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:

1. Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
2. Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
3. Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records clerk.

Summary

The classification has a considerable workload functioning at the entry level performing professional federal funding determinations and revenue maximization work. An employee in this class will apply for federal benefits for DCS children as to maximize federal revenue and offset internal agency costs. Employees will analyze funding systems regularly to ensure that funding sources are generated appropriately. An employee in this class will receive close supervision on assigned tasks. Progression to the DCS Maximization Spec Int will consist of possessing additional education and/or experience and functioning at the intermediate level with increased competencies.

*An applicant appointed to this Career Path series will be reclassified to a DCS Maximization Spec - Int 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.

Responsibilities

1. Generates revenue through Title IV-E federal funding, which can be used for administrative costs such as personnel costs for staff, employee training, salaries, supplies, etc. Monitors and makes adjustments in the system daily to ensure that funding is appropriately applied to maximize federal revenue for DCS. Maximizes revenue for the state by applying for various federal benefits for children including Title II Social Security, SSI, Veterans Administration, etc.
2. Monitors placement and level of care for DCS children to ensure that federal and state funds are being claimed or dispersed appropriately. Makes DCS referrals to the Child Support division for all custodial children which brings in additional revenue to DCS.
3. Recommends approval/closure of TennCare and manages ongoing TennCare benefits for Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, Subsidized Permanent Guardianship, and Extension of Foster Care Services. Determines if children placed in Tennessee from other states who are receiving Title IV-E federal funding meet the requirements for TennCare. Assists in determining if DCS children meet Medicaid requirements when placed out of state.
4. Applies to be representative payee of a childs benefits if they enter DCS custody with any federal benefits in place. Conducts periodic reviews of a custodial childs situation to determine if federal benefits criteria are met.
5. Identifies children with disabilities by researching medical and placement costs and, if appropriate, applies for SSI benefits. Communicates changes/updates with the Social Security Administration to ensure that SSI requirements are met for on-going SSI eligibility. Ensures SSA/SSI criteria remains intact and in a current active status at age 18 for youth to transition to adult services.
6. Reviews court documents to identify appropriate judicial determinations for custodial children and interprets documentation to determine whether the judicial findings meet federal requirements. Maintains relationships with DCS attorneys, Court Liaisons, and Family Service Workers to ensure ongoing annual federal requirements are met.
7. Analyzes and monitors caseload spreadsheets and all required program-specific reports. Performs detail-oriented case management consisting of electronic and paper files to maintain data required for audits.
8. Participates in ongoing training and policy review as assigned by the department to maintain relevant skill and knowledge.

Competencies

1. Competency in dealing with diverse program areas/policy, problem solving, time management, composure, customer focus, and patience.
2. Skilled in active learning & listening, intermediate computer skills, mathematics, effective communication, problem-solving, decision-making, monitoring, and management of financial resources for assigned programs.
3. Knowledgeable in customer service and office administration.
4. Ability to use number facility, deductive/inductive reasoning, multi-tasking, written comprehension, and attention to detail.

Tools & Equipment

1. Office productivity software including Excel
2. Personal Computer
3. Calculator
4. Telephone System
5. Other office equipment as required