Eligibility Determination Specialist

Job Information

Opening Date/Time: 06/09/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time: 06/22/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly): $3,229.00 - $4,041.00

Salary (Annually): $38,748.00 - $48,492.00

Job Type: Full-Time

Location:

Knoxville, TN

Department:
Human Services

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree.

Substitution of Experience for

Education:

Qualifying full‑time professional eligibility determination experience and/or a combination of para‑professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Alternative

Experience:

Two years of full‑time para‑professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services.

Necessary Special

Qualifications:

• Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority.
• Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority.
• Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI‑based criminal history records clerk.

This classification learns to perform eligibility determination work of average difficulty. An employee in this class is customer‑facing and learns to interview customers and determine eligibility for SNAP and TANF programs. The role is at a learning level under direct supervision. Upon successful completion of a mandatory one‑year training period, the incumbent will be reclassified to an Eligibility Counselor
2. Unacceptable or needs‑improvement performance ratings during the training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

• Manage a workload of initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for SNAP and TANF programs based on specific demographic and economic criteria, conducting probing interviews with customers by phone or in person.
• Provide case management for initial and ongoing SNAP and TANF eligibility, and for customer changes to assess impact on continued eligibility via direct customer engagement.
• Calculate monthly income and expenses to ensure accurate budgeting, and document information regarding verifications requested/received, benefits and services provided, and other case‑related activity using a computerized case record and/or paper case files.
• Ensure accurate receipt of entitled benefits by reviewing, verifying, and utilizing data provided by customers and multiple electronic systems while maintaining confidentiality.
• Assist customers with the application process and scheduling appointments.
• Review and interpret program policy and explain eligibility and ongoing responsibilities for programs/services to ensure customer understanding.
• Assess customer's strengths and consider their goals, desired outcomes, work activities, and supportive services to aid in self‑sufficiency. Identify benefits and services that may be available to customers within the Department or from external sources and make referrals as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with vendors and outside organizations to obtain information, promote programs and identify available services and benefits to effectively meet customer needs and promote self‑sufficiency.

• Tech Savvy
• Decision Quality
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Communicates Effectively
• Instills Trust

• Customer and Personal Language
• English Language

• Mathematics
• Active Learning and Listening
• Complex Problem Solving
• Time Management

• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Written Comprehension

• General Office Equipment
• Computer/Laptop/Tablet
• Multifunctional Printer (Print/Scan/Fax/Copy)
• Calculator