Eligibility Specialist Senior; Eligibility Interviewer Lead

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

Job Location:

DIVISION OF BENEFITS AND MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY (DBME) Family Assistance Administration (FAA) 2981 East Tacoma Street, Sierra Vista Arizona 85635

Salary: $21.4308 hourly

Grade: 19

Closing Date:
October 9, 2026

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video.

Come Join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Eligibility Interviewer Lead in our Field Office. This position is primarily responsible for leading Benefits and Eligibility Specialists, providing assistance, direction, monitoring, and training in the areas of fraud, over payment, interviewing, and investigative techniques, including troubleshooting problem situations and assisting in defusing difficult customer situations.

The position is also responsible for performing complex eligibility work, including determining initial and ongoing eligibility for public assistance programs and services.
This position is an in office position
.

• Primarily serves as a mentor, lead, or coach to lower-level staff. Employees in this class may conduct initial and ongoing eligibility determinations that require advanced program knowledge.
• Prepares for regional and state reviews and audits by identifying problematic areas. Documents data and information gathered and compares findings with established guidelines of the eligibility programs.
• Provides technical support to ensure staff is in compliance with eligibility rules, policies, standards, and processes.
• Compiles data for huddle boards, attends and participates in local office meetings and work groups, and communicates updates as directed.

Knowledge in:

• Federal, State, and agency statutes, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple public assistance programs and related case administrative techniques.
• Policies, procedures, and programs of the department applicable to the area of assignment.
• Program services used to conduct quality control reviews.
• Automated systems and software.
• Mathematical computation.
• Interviewing and assessment techniques.
• Community resources; customer service practices.

Skill in:

• Written and verbal communication to explain and interpret Federal and State laws, statutes, rules, regulations, and guidelines applicable to the area of assignment.

Ability to:

• Evaluate and make appropriate decisions (or determinations).
• Resolve program related issues.
• Provide technical assistance to staff.
• Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.
• Access, maintain, review, and interpret database information.
• Compile and present program information.
• Lead, direct, and train other eligibility staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Explain program benefits, requirements, procedures, and complex rules and programs so they can be understood by people of diverse socio-economic and cultural…