Eligibility Specialist

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer.

Requisition No: 872493

Agency:
Children and Families

Working Title:

ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I -

Position Number:

Salary: $1,392.96 bi-weekly, $36,216.96 annually

Families in need and in crisis require time sensitive actions from strong, compassionate individuals who are dedicated to assisting the vulnerable and promoting strong self-sufficient families. This demanding and challenging career could be your opportunity to help those in need make a better life for themselves and their families.

The primary function of an Eligibility Specialist involves determining the eligibility of applicants and recipients for government assistance programs. You will process data from electronic sources and enter information into a computer‑based eligibility system in accordance with state and federal requirements.

• Interview applicants to verify information needed to determine eligibility for Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance.
• Learn and apply numerous state and federal program regulations through intensive training and ongoing updates.
• Instruct clients in completing forms and review applications for completeness and accuracy.
• Determine program eligibility using a computer‑based system.
• Research applicants’ information until eligibility status is confirmed.
• Report cases where identity theft or fraud is suspected.
• Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and necessary actions.
• Work with clients who cannot meet required time frames.
• Establish and maintain multiple electronic files, reviewing and updating regularly.
• Document all communications and client contacts.
• Manage an electronic caseload variably based on community needs, ensuring accuracy and timely processing per regulations.
• Compute and authorize government assistance benefits, and explain monthly benefit amounts to clients.
• Stay current with changes in rules, laws, and procedures.
• Face‑to‑face contact with clients may be required.

• Two years or more of customer service, interviewing, recruiting, investigating, accounting, processing insurance policies, or determining eligibility. An associate degree or higher, or 60 semester hours/90 quarter hours can substitute for experience.
• Ability to attend an 8–12 week mandatory training course.

• All eligible candidates must complete a skills assessment (typing, general aptitude, personality tests) within 3 days of receiving the link.
• Hired candidates may be eligible for telework after nine months of employment, completion of training, and meeting performance expectations.
• Language proficiency may be considered.
• Incumbents may be required to work during emergencies or natural disasters.

• Apply laws, rules, and regulations for eligibility and grant determination across multiple programs.
• Review images of documents for eligibility determinations.
• Communicate with others to obtain and verify eligibility information.
• Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.
• Analyze written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Enter data accurately into a computerized system.
• Navigate computer screens and review basic documents.
• Plan and organize caseload to meet regulatory timeliness.
• Read, understand, and apply detailed regulations and policy directives.
• Perform accurate and rapid mathematical computations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public and staff.
• Use computers and related software packages.
• Follow written and oral directions and instructions.

• Provide supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods.
• Explain any employment gaps clearly.
• Include education, training, and verifiable experience to meet minimum qualifications.
• Do not use “See Resume” to replace work history entries.
• If problems apply online, call the People First Service Center at .

The State of Florida offers a highly competitive compensation package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

Veterans’ Preference:
Eligible veterans receive preference for Career Service vacancies. Documentation must be provided.

Selective Service:
Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962 must register with the Selective Service System before hiring.

Background Screening:
All candidates must complete state and national criminal history checks before employment.

Disability Accommodations:
Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations must notify the hiring authority in advance.

Drug-Free Workplace:
All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing.

EEO Statement:
Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211

F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at  Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.