Eligibility Specialist

Requisition No: 876975 | 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 compassionate individuals dedicated to assisting the vulnerable and promoting self‑sufficient families. This role provides the opportunity to help those in need create 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. The work performed includes processing data from electronic sources and entering information into a computer‑based eligibility system under state and federal requirements. Eligibility workers handle a high volume of work that is deadline‑driven and must prioritize, plan, and project their work while remaining flexible to frequent changes in policy and systems.

• Interview applicants to obtain and verify information needed to determine eligibility for Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance.
• Learn state and federal program regulations through intensive training before full case assignment and ongoing training thereafter.
• Instruct clients in completing various forms and review applications for completeness and accuracy.
• Determine program eligibility in accordance with current regulations using a computer‑based eligibility system.
• Research information provided by an applicant until satisfactory explanations regarding eligibility status are confirmed.
• Report cases where identity theft or fraud is suspected.
• Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and necessary actions to be taken.
• Work with clients who may not take necessary actions within the required time frame.
• Establish and maintain multiple electronic files and conduct regular reviews and updates.
• Document all communications and contacts with clients.
• Manage an electronic caseload that varies based on community needs, ensuring accuracy and timely processing per federal and state regulations.
• Compute and authorize government assistance benefits based on financial and family status and explain the monthly benefit amount to the customer.
• Stay current with changes in rules, laws, procedures, etc., that affect timeliness and accuracy.
• This position may require face‑to‑face contact with clients.

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

• All eligible candidates will be required to complete a skills assessment that must be completed within 3 days of the link being sent by email.
• Typing (TT) – a test of typing speed measuring speed and accuracy.
• General Aptitude Mobile Evaluation (GAME) – a test to evaluate critical thinking, problem‑solving ability, attention to detail, and the ability to learn and apply new information.
• Employee Personality Profile (EPP) – a test to assess personality traits.
• 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 expected to work during emergency situations or natural disasters.

• Apply laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple government assistance programs.
• Review images such as pictures or handwritten notes to make eligibility determinations.
• Communicate with others to obtain and verify information concerning eligibility.
• Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.
• Analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Enter data accurately into a computerized system.
• Navigate computer screens, complete, and review basic computer documents and other forms.
• Plan and organize caseload to ensure…