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 team of dedicated specialists. These positions will be part of our Multi Economic Assistance Programs Application Team responsible for processing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP), Medicaid, and Family Investment Program (FIP) applications.

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 opportunity, Monday – Friday with a work schedule of 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. This position may be eligible to become a hybrid position offering the opportunity to work from home and in the office at the nearest full-time HHS office to your residence after a 6-month training and probationary period. Please note the beginning rate of pay, $48,630.40 annually, is non-negotiable.

State employees have access to promotional opportunities within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as well as across other state agencies, allowing them to expand their skills, explore new career paths, and advance within state government.

• 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 telephonically.
• Communicate program rules and responsibilities.
• Document case actions.
• 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.

• 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…