Eligibility and Benefit Specialist - Bilingual English​/Spanish

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Community Access, Bureau of Economic Assistance is seeking Eligibility and Benefit Specialists (Job Classification: Income Maintenance Worker
2) to join our team of dedicated specialists. 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 will work with customers, assess information to approve benefits, and receive dedicated training to understand how we serve Iowans. Applicants must be able to speak and write in Spanish as well as English. This is a full‑time position, Monday–Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The position may become a hybrid after a 6‑month training and probationary period.

• Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for State and Federal assistance programs administered by HHS.
• Process applications and recertifications within specific time frames.
• Interview applicants and clients via phone.
• Communicate program rules and responsibilities.
• Document case actions.
• Manage an assigned caseload, 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 training.

• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret complex policies, procedures, and information from customers or third 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 detail.
• Possess strong computer navigation and math skills.

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:
  Vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans:
  Participation in IPERS, RIC, and Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (State match dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Life insurance and free long‑term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs for a variety of goods and services.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1‑800‑735‑2942 TDD.

The State of Iowa participates in E‑Verify. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E‑Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with federal Right to Work laws.

Spanish Language (Customer Service):
Ability to understand, speak, read, and write Spanish to provide service to Spanish‑speaking customers.

• Sixty semester hours (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university.
• Or a combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full‑time public contact work experience for each year of the required college education (on the basis that thirty semester hours equals one year of work experience).
• Or employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 18 months of full‑time work at a Clerk Advanced level or above involving public contact experience on a regular basis in a service area.