Salary : $68,100.00 - $88,536.00 Annually

Location : Denver Metro, CO

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: IHA 02107 04/16/2024

Department: Colorado Department of Human Services

Division: Public Assistance Quality Assurance

Opening Date: 04/16/2024

Closing Date: 4/30/2024 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA: Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address: 4020 South Newton StreetDenver, CO 80236

FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Information

Please note: This recruitment will be used to fill multiple vacancies.

This position is open to current CDHS employees only.

This job announcement will serve as an application pool for available positions that now exist or may exist in the future, including both part and full-time positions.

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Description of Job

Hybrid: 2 days a week in office.

Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.
About the Unit: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Quality Assurance (SNAPQA) 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.
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.

About the Position:
This position serves as a team leader/trainer for ten (10) Compliance Specialist III's to assure Federal requirements are met for producing SNAP sampled case findings and reports to Federal agencies, State program directors, and to managers of county offices regarding compliance with program regulations in the SNAP program. Further, this position functions as a subject matter expert on SNAP/SNAPQA rules, regulations, policies, waivers, procedures, as well as an expert in the interpretation of these rules, regulations, policies that requires a unique level of knowledge and expertise in the SNAP Quality Control field; and upon which management depends for final positive results. Further, this position provides input to the SNAPQA Unit Managers for inclusion in SNAPQA Auditors PMPs and provides coverage during the unit manager's absence with regard to all unit manager functions. Last, this position exists to monitor SNAPQA Unit activities in the delivery of services to counties to reduce the error rates and improve service delivery.

Job Duties:
Lead Work:

Acts as work lead for ten (10) SNAPQA Auditors including assigning tasks, monitoring progress and workflow, evaluating work product, and providing feedback.
Research federal and state regulations, policy letters, and arbitration results to determine which applies to each case as appropriate.
Provides technical and expert assistance in areas of ambiguity based on this position's expertise (subject matter expert) and unique job knowledge regarding federal, state and county rules, regulations, policies, interpretations, waivers, and arbitration results to the SNAPQA Audit staff (CS III's) regarding the completion of complex SNAPQA reviews and directs correct application of SNAP Program eligibility criteria and Federal Quality Control policies and determines the appropriateness of recommended error prevention strategies.
Reviews all cases submitted as incomplete and makes additional attempts and contacts to complete the review.

Training:

Develops and provides training to new and seasoned SNAPQA audit staff to ensure inter-rater reliability and accurate deliverables are provided to stakeholders.
Develops, updates, and maintains new worker classroom and seasoned worker training materials and desk aides specific to SNAPQA staff purpose and functions.
Act as the back-up to provide training to state and local agencies regarding quality control policies and process, as well as training on identified areas of risk and error reduction strategies.
Act as the back-up to provide technical assistance to improve timeliness, eligibility and payment accuracy, build relationships with state and local staff to foster problem solving, performance improvement strategies and overall program improvement.

Audits, Reviews and Projects:

Completes a minimum of two (2) case file reviews each month; one (1) active and one (1) negative sampled case.
SNAPQA audits require travel to the sampled recipient's home, place of work, or other location statewide near the recipient's home to complete in-depth compliance interviews and obtain verification/documents.
Provides coverage for audit staff and vacant audit positions.
Completes other projects/tasks as assigned including the authority and responsibility for running the day-to-day operations of the SNAPQA units in the absence of the SNAPQA Unit Managers.
These activities include management of daily workflow and processes to ensure that deadlines are met such as identifying and distributing work, projects, and assignments to all staff within the unit.
This position does not have the authority to approve personnel actions or unique expenditures.
This position also provides coverage for the program assistant duties as needed.

Other duties as assigned to this position not specifically mentioned in the duty sections above.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Important Note: Please review your application to ensure completion. For the most equitable applicant experience, CDHS' hiring teams consider only the contents of your application to determine meeting minimum qualifications and for the comparative analysis process. Experience is calculated on a full-time equivalency basis, therefore, it is important to accurately notate the hours you averaged per experience section entry. Volunteer work or related type of experience may be used to meet the qualifications, but must be clearly documented. It is paramount that in the experience portion of the application, the applicant describes the extent to which they possess the education, experience, competencies and background as they relate to the duties outlined in the job announcement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Option 1 - Experience:

Seven (7) years of professional experience in SNAP including policy knowledge, interpretation, eligibility determination and authorization of benefits. Experience with the SNAP can include, but is not limited to, policy, federal regulations, quality assurance reviews, investigations, auditing, or supervision of staff that performed any of these duties.
- Please note: This experience must be clearly documented on your application and the supplemental questions must be answered.

Option 2 - Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
AND Three (3) year(s) of professional experience in SNAP including policy knowledge, interpretation, eligibility determination and authorization of benefits. Experience with the SNAP can include, but is not limited to, policy, federal regulations, quality assurance reviews, investigations, auditing, or supervision of staff that performed any of these duties.

Substitutions:

A combination of professional work experience in the SNAP, which provided the same kind, amount, and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree.
A graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a closely related field may be for the bachelor's degree and one year of general SNAP experience, but not specific experience using benefits management systems.

Preferred Qualifications
The following supplemental experience, competencies and abilities are highly desirable for this position and may be considered in selecting the successful candidate:

More than 5 years of SNAP experience determining eligibility and authorizing benefits

More than 5 years of experience in using CBMS to authorize benefits
2 to 3 years of experience working in SNAP Quality Control/Assurance
Prior Lead and/or Supervisor experience in public assistance programs such as Adult Financial or SNAP
Spanish Speaking (read/write)
Previous training experience such as over the shoulder, presentations and adapting training style to a diverse group
Familiarity with the Handbook 310 and CFR Title VII
Must have experience in SNAP eligibility and payment determination and authorization in order to support staff to make accurate auditing decisions.
Must have effective communication skills and be able to mentor staff

Conditions of Employment

Must be willing to submit to a full background check
Must possess a valid driver's license
Travel - Subject to travel to different site locations
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

APPEAL RIGHTS:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact us

About Us:

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining 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. 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
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
BenefitHub state employee discount program
Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more

information, go to

Our Values:

We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans

Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

ADAA Accommodations: CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application.In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.

02

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number:

03

This position requires the incumbent to occasionally travel for county site visits, training, across the state, using personal transportation or a state vehicle, alone or with a group. As a condition of employment, are you willing to travel in order to fulfill the duties of this position?

04

Describe in detail your use of the Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS) including anytroubleshooting and problem-solving.

05

Please document an incidence by which you had difficulty getting a staff member to follow your direction. How did you resolve the situation?

06

Do you have previous supervision experience?

07

Do you have experience with providing on the job training? Please provide a detailed summary of the type of on the job training you provided, the length of time you have spent providing this training and what, if any resources you used or created to assist in this training.

08

An auditor approaches you with the following situation on a review, how would you advise them?A. The sample month is 10/2023. On 07/13/2023, a household of 2 people (1 adult and 1 child) applied for SNAP with the local agency. During the interview, the household reported residing at 428 State St, Denver, CO. The household's case was selected for QA review. On 11/18/2023, SNAP QA interviewed the household. The household reported the same household composition at the same address. SNAPQA requested contact information for a non-relative who would be able to verify household composition. The household stated that they did not have any non-relative that would be able to verify their household composition. SNAPQA offered several examples, and the household still stated that they did not have a non-relative to verify this element. The auditor comes to you for input on how to proceed - please include your additional suggestions as well as alternatives if your suggestions did not produce the desired outcome.B. Reference: FNS 310 Handbook sections 415 and 840-842.

09

An auditor approaches you with the following situation regarding coding timeliness on a review, how would you advise them?A. The sample month is 12/2023. The initial application was submitted on 05/02/2023. The household was certified for SNAP from 05/2023-10/2023. On 11/09/2023, the household submitted a late recertification for 11/2023 SNAP benefits and was eligible for expedited benefits. The household's regularissuance date is the 5th of each month. On 11/10/2023, the agency scheduled an interview for 11/15/2023. On 11/15/2023, the household completed their scheduled interview. On 11/21/2023, the agency processed and approved SNAPfor 11/2023-04/2024. How would you advise the auditor to code field 68 and 70? Please include your logic.B. Reference: FNS 310 Handbook appendix C

10

An auditor approaches you with the following situation regarding a review, how would you advise them?A. The sample month is 11/2023. On 09/12/2023, a household of 3 people applied for SNAP benefits. The same day, the agency approved SNAP for 09/2023-02/2024 and no EBT card was issued. On 12/13/2023, the agency reviewed the household's EBT usage and found that the household has not accessed benefits since their approval. How would the auditor proceed?B. Reference: FNS Handbook Chapter 3

11

An auditor approaches you with the following situation regarding expenses, how would you advise them?A. The sample month is 01/2024. On 12/07/2023, a household of 4 people (2 adults and 2 children) applied for SNAP benefits and reported being responsible for $300 per month in childcare that is paid to the head of household's mother for watching their two children while the parents work. The agency sent a verification checklist for verification of this expense with a due date of 12/18/2023. On 01/09/2024, the household submitted the verification of thisexpense. On 01/20/2024, SNAPQA completed a phone interview with the household. The auditor wants to know what verification (if any) they need and how they should address the dependent care expense for the household?B. Reference: FNS Handbook sections 1100-1130.4

12

An auditor approaches you with the following question on a negative review, how would you advise them?A. The sample month is 10/2023. A household of 3 people (1 adult and 2 children) was certified for SNAP from 07/2023-12/2023. At the time of certification, the agency used $3,635.65 per month in earned income from Lil' Sebastian Farms. On 10/06/2023, the household called and reported that the head of household was working at Munchies Restaurant earning $19.50 per hour and working 15-20 hours per week. The agency documented they sent a verification checklist for income verification; however, no VCL was actually sent. On 10/06/2023, the agency terminated SNAP for excess gross income. How would you advise the auditor to proceed and why?B. Reference: FNS Handbook sections 1350-1360.

Required Question