Eligibility Specialist II

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Opening Date:
June 18, 2026

Closing Date:
Open Continuously

Job Class Code: 5073

Grade: 21 (Professional & Technical Services)

Salary: $21.54 - $30.14 per hour*

* New State employees begin at Step 1, $21.54 per hour

Location:

Sanford

This position allows for partial telework with management approval.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

As an Eligibility Specialist II, you’ll play a vital role in connecting Maine residents to key programs including Maine Care—the state’s largest health insurance program serving lower‑income adults, children, older adults, and people with disabilities; SNAP or food benefits to help low‑income people and families supplement their grocery budgets; and TANF or cash assistance to help families while they work towards becoming self‑sufficient.

In this position, you’ll help people navigate important life situations while ensuring accuracy in determining eligibility. The work is fast‑paced, collaborative, and mission‑driven with a strong focus on customer service, problem solving, and teamwork.

• Evaluate information and apply program standards to accurately determine complex eligibility decisions, often for multiple programs at the same time. This includes performing intermediate mathematical calculations.
• Use multiple technology systems to enter, review, and verify eligibility‑related data and documentation.
• Clearly explain program rules, requirements, and decisions to applicants and recipients—in writing, over the phone, and in‑person.
• Review and process information received electronically or by mail to ensure completeness and compliance.
• Connect individuals with additional programs and services that may support their health and well‑being.
• Engage in outreach efforts to provide program information, accept applications, and determine eligibility.
• Gather evidence, develop reports, and represent the Department at administrative hearings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential as you’ll work with people from diverse backgrounds, with varying needs, and help them navigate complex systems during moments that matter.

A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or progressively responsible experience in a social services setting which demonstrates interviewing and data gathering skills as needed to form basis for judgments in eligibility determinations, claims resolutions, and/or customer service requests – OR – a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services, Business Administration, or other related field.

• Work‑Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime‑exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee‑only premiums.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee‑only premiums by 5%.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee‑only dental premiums.
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes 14.11% of the employee’s pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Parental leave – All employees receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. Reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Contact Marcus Hatch at (207) 890‑6810 or Marcus.

Hatch for additional information about this position.