SNAP Compliance Auditor

Job Title: Public Assistance Quality Assurance Unit Auditor

This position is open to current Colorado residents only. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Work Unit: The Public Assistance Quality Assurance (PAQA) unit exists to administer the federally mandated state "Quality Control System" that enhances payment accuracy and improves program administration including measuring program accuracy, assessment and resolution of potential liabilities, policy development, and formulating improvement plans; provide independent third-party review and quality improvement processes for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) including case file audits, data collection, analysis and reporting on findings, providing technical and compliance training to county workers, assess and measure county adherence to state and federal regulations; and create strong partnerships with state and county staff to provide additional services such as non-quality assurance case reviews and consulting, risk analysis, and recommendations for reduction or elimination of timeliness, eligibility and payment errors.

Description of Job

HYBRID POSITION 3 days remote, 2 days in office. Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.

About This Position:

The position exists to satisfy the requirements of the federally mandated management program by auditing a statistically valid, integrated sample of SNAP cases and to ensure that the state plan, policies and procedures comply with federal regulations and approved waivers. These reviews often include technical issues that require the resolution of compliance problems and reconciliation of divergent viewpoints. Provide continuous data to the federal, state and county agencies on frequency, magnitude and sources of non-compliance. Analyze both program performance and client services; directly advise state and/or county administrators of areas of risk and formulate improvement plans for eligibility and payment accuracy critically necessary to prevent errors and achieve program compliance. Provide technical and compliance training.

Summary of Duties:

Independently audits agency actions and investigates selected households by interviewing recipients in their homes (including federally required travel to and from the recipient's home to complete a face-to-face interview), accessing databases and contacting a wide range of third-party sources to determine correctness of eligibility and/or payment. Audits/investigates until the incumbent determines sufficient data has been obtained. Advises clients of potential eligibility for other public assistance programs administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services.

Evaluates validity of gathered data through a self-initiated determination; arrives at an accurate conclusion by researching federal and state regulations and federally mandated processes, and determines which federal, state or Quality Control (QC) regulations apply to each case. This task includes reviewing data located in a variety of computer systems and imaged documents with varying degrees of gray scale, color, or highlighted text. Completes secondary peer reviews to ensure accuracy prior to informing federal, state, and county agencies of the results of the audit.

Participates in corrective action planning as a result of audits of and rebuttals from counties and feedback from our federal partners. Identifies where and how the error occurred, provides technical assistance and advice regarding error reduction strategies, and participates in the development of processes to prevent similar errors in the future.

This position may be called upon to provide coverage of duties for another staff person, requested to attend and participate in assorted conferences (i.e.; Colorado Welfare Fraud Council (CWFC) Conference, Social Services Technical and Business Staff (SSTABS) Conference), and requested to provide training to internal staff.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Experience Only:

Six (6) years of experience in Social Services, Human Services, SNAP, Medicaid, SSA, Rules and Regulations, Public Assistance, TANF, Adult Financial services or Cash Assistance with at least two (2) years of recent experience with determining SNAP initial and ongoing eligibility and payment including interviewing applicants to determine accurate household circumstances.

OR

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in Social Services, Human Services, SNAP, Medicaid, SSA, Rules and Regulations, Public Assistance, TANF, Adult Financial services or Cash Assistance equal to six (6) years with at least two (2) years of recent experience with determining SNAP initial and ongoing eligibility and payment including interviewing applicants to determine accurate household circumstances.

Preferred Qualifications:

• More than 3 years of experience with SNAP eligibility and payment determination, as well as trouble shooting CBMS data entry and system issues;
• Experience reviewing SNAP case files for eligibility and processing accuracy
• Experience providing comprehensive findings and recommendations for process and eligibility improvement.
• Spanish speaking preferred

Conditions of Employment:

• Full background check and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Motor Vehicle Check, if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an on-going capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License
• Position requires State-wide travel to interview SNAP clients in their homes, which may include high risk areas and exposure to potentially dangerous situations.
• Position requires training and process evaluation at local county offices of Human/Social Service;
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
• Disclose that information on the application.
• Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
• Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation:

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process:

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

Comparative Analysis Process Structured Application Review:

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from an eSkills Test.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties:

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions:

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights:

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

At (303) 866-3300, or refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

About Us and Benefits:

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance