Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information, and re determines their continuing eligibility; Explains benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance; Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods; Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various programs; Monitors cases for changes in recipient circumstances, and implements changes to appropriately reflect benefit level within guidelines; Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income; explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability; Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; prepares reports and maintains client records; Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals; evaluates consistency and completeness of data secured, and where indicated substantiates its accuracy; Explains programs and rights/responsibilities of applicants and recipients; Explores other possible sources of income; Computes assistance plans; Determines the amount of allowances for special circumstance items such as household equipment; Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers; Provides applicants or recipients with information about other agencies where they may go for services as needed. Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, re-evaluate each client's situation, and make referrals; determine a client's ownership share in situations; make mathematical computations; analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.