Eligibility and Benefit Specialist

Join to apply for the Eligibility and Benefit Specialist role at State of Iowa - Executive Branch
.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Community Access, Bureau of Eligibility Determinations is seeking an Eligibility and Benefit Specialist (Income Maintenance Worker
2) to join our team. HHS has hundreds of team members across the state and is looking for 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 to 4:30 pm. The position is hybrid, offering the opportunity to work from home and in the office at the nearest full‑time HHS office to your residence. Please note the starting pay rate of $47,673.60 annually is non‑negotiable.

• 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, including 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 third parties.
• Communicate effectively in person, via phone, and in writing.
• Excel at meeting processing time frames and managing an individualized 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.
• The ability to communicate in another language in addition to English is a plus.

• 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 retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) and the Retirement Investors Club (RIC). Employer‑Sponsored Retirement Plan: the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month.
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  For medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage:
  Life insurance and free long‑term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program:
  Access resources and support for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs:
  Discounts on 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 (Hearing and Speech‑Impaired – Relay Iowa 1‑800‑735‑2942 TDD).

The State of Iowa participates in E‑Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees. 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, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

• Sixty semester hours (or equivalent academic units) 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 (based on thirty semester hours equaling 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.