Eligibility and Benefit Specialist

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking up to 15 Eligibility and Benefit Specialists (Job Classification: Income Maintenance Worker
2) to join our dedicated Medicaid Eligibility Team.

HHS has hundreds of team members across the state and is in search of highly motivated and compassionate individuals interested in a rewarding career assisting those in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services through programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). You’ll work with customers, assess information to approve benefits, and receive dedicated training to understand how we serve Iowans.

• This is a full-time position with a tentative January start date working Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with overtime as needed, paid at time and a half.
• Work from the nearest full-time HHS office to your residence
• After a six-month training and probationary period, the position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement
• The starting annual pay of $48,630.40 is non-negotiable for new state employees.
• New employees are eligible for a pay increase after completing the 6-month probationary period and again 12 months after.
• December graduates are eligible and welcome to apply.

• Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for State and Federal assistance programs administered by HHS.
• Process applications and recertifications within specific time frames.
• Communicate with applicants over the phone and explain program rules, responsibilities, and requirements.
• Document case actions clearly and accurately.
• Manage an assigned caseload with duties that include reviewing documents, processing changes in eligibility, participating in the appeals process, making referrals to other services, and completing corrective actions when necessary.
• Complete other duties as assigned including participation in committees, work groups, public forums, and trainings.

• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Collect, analyze and interpret complex policies, procedures and information from customers or 3rd parties.
• Communicate effectively in person, via phone, and in writing.
• Excel at meeting processing time frames and managing an individual workload while working within a team.
• Prepare and present documents verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and strong attention to details.
• Possess strong computer navigation and math skills.

The ability to communicate in another language in addition to English is a plus. If you have those skills, please note in the application any additional languages in which you are proficient.

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage:
  
  Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off:
  
  Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans:
  
  Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  
  Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage:
  
  Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability…