Public Assistance Specialist/Customer Service Representative

Job description

CAREER OPPORTUNITY-SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!

FULTON COUNTY JOB & FAMILY SERVICES

604 S. Shoop Avenue, Suite 200 | Wauseon, Ohio 43567
419-337-0010 | Fax: 419-337-0061

POSITION: Public Assistance Specialist
WAGE: Starting at $18.00 with compensation for experience
DIVISION: Public Assistance
POSTING DATE: April 28, 2026
HOURS: 8:00AM to 4:30PM (Hybrid Remote Work)

Are you looking for a career?

We are in search of an extraordinary employee who works well in a fast-paced and team-oriented work environment.

If you are someone who...

• Enjoys working with the public.
• Envisions learning as an opportunity to grow.
• Is self-motivated.
• Has excellent communication skills.
• Is very dependable and punctual.
• Is detail oriented.
• Has the ability to adapt in stressful situations and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Appreciates challenges.
• Enjoys learning something new every day.
• Is a team player.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND WORKER CHARACTERISTICS

40% CUSTOMER SERVICE/WORK GROUP PARTICIPATION - CALL CENTER

• Provides client service by handling incoming telephone calls from clients by responding to general inquiries.
• Performs general clerical duties to assist clients and the Public Assistance Specialists by providing applicants with required forms and instructions, verifying the receipt of documents, and assisting clients with income, medical and case information printouts.
• Interviews Public Assistance applicants and walk in customers who want information/questions answered.
• Initiates requests for required verifications to determine eligibility, follow-up with companies, including, but not limited to, employers, banks, insurance agencies to establish eligibility verifications.
• Utilizes Ohio Benefits and PNM system to inform customers of eligibility for billing.
• Enters information into the State Eligibility System, checks for accuracy in benefits issued.
• Phone coverage for any caseworker out of the office.
• Completes mail processing, email verification box, faxes, drop box items and documents received in person for the Public Assistance Unit, deciphering the program and routing to the correct caseworker along with giving explanation to questions and issuing receipts.
• Routes changes and applications to caseworkers.

40% FAMILY MEDICAID PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION:

• Interviews Public Assistance applicants and walk-in customers requesting information or needing questions answered.
• Seeks to resolve any barriers to employment which are presented.
• Gives referrals for area help organizations related to requested need.
• Determines eligibility. Enters information into the State Eligibility System, checks for accuracy in benefit determination. Utilizes Ohio Benefits and PNM system to review and confirm eligibility. Initiates requests to employers, banks, insurance agencies, etc. for required verifications to establish eligibility.
• Provides explanation of rules and regulations for public assistance applicants/recipients, which allow them to make informed choices regarding their public assistance/path to self-sufficiency.
• Maintains communication with ongoing public assistance customers to determine their continued eligibility for public assistance, and/or assess ongoing customers’ employment situations and seeks to resolve any barriers to employment these public assistance customers may be experiencing.
• Enter the information into the State Eligibility System, check for accuracy in benefit determination.
• Knowledge of policy.
• Maintains an ongoing Medicaid caseload and determines eligibility for initial Medicaid applicants.
• Process program alerts/interfaces.
• Attends hearings regarding public assistance issued related to benefit determination/amount.

15% SNAP/TANF PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION:

• Interviews Public Assistance applicants and walk-in customers requesting information or needing questions answered.
• Screens applications for SNAP/TANF eligibility.
• Knowledge of policy.
• Provides explanation of rules and regulations for public assistance applicants/recipients which allow them to make informed choices regarding their public assistance/path to self-sufficiency.
• Processes program alerts/interfaces.
• Contact for EPPIC/EPC card inquiry.

5% MISCELLANEOUS:

• Distributes Gasoline Cards for the PRC Program.
• Attend meetings, seminars, state-wide video conferences and other trainings to enhance knowledge of public assistance programs.
• Promotes information from FCJFS along with partner agencies.
• Speak at local organizations and attend community events regarding public assistance programs.
• Knowledge of excel spreadsheets.
• Utilize EDMS (Electronic Data Management System) for documents.
• Other job duties as deemed necessary to achieve organizational vision/mission.
• Assists with Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) for Medicaid clients.
• Assists with Healthchek.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Competent with solid math skills, reasoning and logic.
• Confident with speaking directly to people and able to maintain composure with disgruntled customers and the ability to de-escalate client behavior.
• Ability to multi-task by using multiple systems, phones, policy and procedures, and resource guides.
• Computer experience and ability to type 30 plus words a minute.
• Excellent comprehension - the ability to read, understand, and act on orders and policy
• Deadline Driven, Goal Oriented.
• Works well with others including the partner agencies and co-workers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in accounting, banking, or a related field a plus
• Passing background check, physical and drug screen
• Clean driving record with a valid Driver’s License
• 40 hours a week

COMPENSATION:

• Competitive Wage starting at $18.00
• Incentive for JFS experience
• Knowledge based incentives provided
• Health Insurance available
• Dental and Vision Insurance available
• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• Vacation Time
• Sick Leave (15 days accrued annually)
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
• Flex time

DEADLINE DATE: May 15th, 2026, or until filled

HOW TO APPLY:

• Submit a cover letter and resume by May 15th, 2026, at 4:00pm to Merissa Kessler at Merissa.Kessler@jfs.ohio.gov.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wauseon, OH 43567