This position reports directly to the DESS Lead IM Technician (Special Programs) and is responsible for assisting individuals and families in achieving self-sufficiency through assessment, case management, employment services, supportive services coordination, and ongoing monitoring of participation requirements. The position conducts comprehensive assessments of client strengths, barriers, and service needs and develops Individual Responsibility Contracts (IRCs) and other employment or self-sufficiency plans designed to support successful outcomes.
The position monitors client progress toward self-sufficiency through employment, job search activities, education, vocational training, credential attainment, volunteer activities, and workforce development programs. The position provides intensive case management, resource navigation, and supportive services to reduce barriers to employment and economic stability.
This position also receives referrals from the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) for court-ordered participants and provides services consistent with Colorado Works and Employment Services program requirements.
In anticipation of federal and state eligibility modernization initiatives, including Medicaid community engagement and work requirement provisions, this position may assist with verification, documentation, outreach, monitoring, and tracking of work-related participation requirements for public assistance recipients as directed by state and federal regulations.
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Client Assessment and Case Management
Accept referrals from Colorado Works, Employment Services, Medicaid, SNAP Employment and Training, and DCSS staff.
Attend DCSS court hearings and other referral meetings as assigned.
Employment history and job readiness; Educational attainment and training needs; Family composition and support systems; Child care and transportation needs; Housing stability; Physical, behavioral health, and substance use barriers; Other factors affecting employability and self-sufficiency.
Develop, implement, and maintain Individual Responsibility Contracts (IRCs) and other employment-related plans.
Provide ongoing coaching, motivational interviewing, and support to encourage participant engagement and goal achievement.
Reinforce participant accountability while maintaining a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach.
Employment and Workforce Development Services
Assist clients with employment search activities, resume development, interview preparation, job retention, and career advancement.
Coordinate referrals to workforce centers, educational institutions, vocational training providers, and community partners.
Establish and maintain relationships with local employers and workforce development organizations.
Conduct follow-up with employers and participants to evaluate employment outcomes and retention success.
Monitor participation in assigned work activities and document progress.
Identify and coordinate supportive services necessary to overcome barriers to employment and program participation.
Facilitate access to child care assistance, transportation assistance, emergency services, educational supports, housing resources, and other community-based services.
Assist participants in navigating public assistance systems and available community resources.
Compliance Monitoring and Program Accountability
Monitor participant compliance with Colorado Works, Employment Services, DCSS, and other program participation requirements.
Maintain accurate case documentation and case notes in accordance with state and county requirements.
Determine when non-compliance may exist and recommend appropriate corrective action.
Coordinate with eligibility staff regarding sanctions, disqualifications, or benefit actions when required.
Prepare documentation necessary for administrative reviews, hearings, audits, and quality assurance activities.
Medicaid Work Requirement and Eligibility Renewal Support
Assist with tracking and monitoring federally or state-mandated work, community engagement, education, training, volunteer, or employment requirements applicable to Medicaid recipients.
Conduct outreach to recipients regarding reporting requirements, exemptions, good-cause claims, and compliance deadlines.
Verify employment, workforce participation, educational enrollment, volunteer activities, and other qualifying activities through available documentation sources.
Assist with six-month and annual eligibility renewal processes as required by federal and state policy.
Monitor compliance milestones and maintain documentation supporting eligibility determinations.
Coordinate with eligibility technicians and state partners regarding work requirement verification and renewal processing.
Educate recipients regarding reporting responsibilities and consequences of non-compliance.
Assist with implementation of future federal or state eligibility modernization initiatives affecting public assistance programs.
Maintain complete and accurate participant records.
Enter case information into state and county systems of record.
Compile required reports, statistics, and performance measures.
Participate in audits, monitoring reviews, corrective action activities, and quality assurance initiatives.
Maintain confidentiality of all client information in accordance with federal and state requirements.
Participate in required training and professional development activities.
Attend staff meetings, community meetings, and stakeholder collaborations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Associates Degree in business, accounting, or human service related field from an accredited college or university or a degree in one of the behavioral sciences;
OR, high school diploma/GED equivalent and three (3) years of direct experience in Colorado Benefits case management and/or community outreach in financial aid services (specifically in Colorado Works TANF Programming).
Bachelor's Degree in business, accounting, or human service related field from an accredited college or university or a degree in one of the behavioral sciences.
Five (5) years of direct experience in Colorado Benefits case management and/or community outreach in financial services.
Knowledge of Colorado Works, SNAP Employment & Training, Medicaid eligibility, Child Support Services, workforce development programs, and public assistance systems.
Knowledge of federal work participation requirements and emerging Medicaid work requirement regulations.
Ability to interpret and apply federal and state program regulations.
Ability to utilize CBMS, Workforce Center systems, and state case management platforms.
Ability to conduct difficult conversations regarding compliance, sanctions, and eligibility impacts.
Knowledge of motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based case management practices.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, IRS, and state privacy requirements.
Bilingual in English and Spanish helpful but not required.
Knowledge of judicial processes and execution of State department mandates.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and specified car insurance.
Must be willing to travel to rural areas of the county and out of town as needed.
Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
Must be able to attend required out of town training and staff development activities.
Will be required to provide a driving history if a position is offered.
A professional and appropriate dress code is in effect for all employees of the office.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Position requires substantial movement with respect to repetitious standing and sitting within the office area. On occasion, may be required to lift light to moderately heavy loads.
Las Animas County Dept. of Human Services provides public welfare programs to the Las Animas County community. We serve a dynamic and diverse population and strive to assist individuals in developing a better life and social well-being. LACDHS is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity (EEO) in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on age, race, real or perceived sex, gender identity or expression, color, military status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, marital status, political affiliation, disability or any other status protected by state or local law. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on any of these protected classes. Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct, which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.
