Eligibility Specialist; Eligibility Interviewer

Benefits And Eligibility Specialist (Eligibility Interviewer)

Job Location:

Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) Family Assistance Administration (FAA) Surprise Field Office 11526 West Bell Road, Surprise, Arizona 85378

Salary: $18.6159/Hourly ($38,721.07 Annually) Grade: 18 Closing Date:
September 3, 2026

Job Summary:

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 who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov.

If you enjoy helping people and being recognized for your efforts, a customer service career at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is the job for you.

As an Eligibility Interviewer, you will determine eligibility for Arizonans in need of Nutrition Assistance, Medical Assistance and/or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. This is an ideal position for an individual who is highly motivated, has decision-making skills, and can work independently in a fast-paced environment while providing quality interaction and communication with our clients. This is an in person on site position.

Job Duties:

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working in a fast-paced office environment, assisting clients in-person and/or by telephone.
• Attending paid classroom training with on the job training (learning by doing).
• Providing excellent customer service in person to individuals and families facing challenging and personal situations.
• Collecting and gathering information to conduct interviews to make eligibility determinations for Medical Assistance, Nutrition Assistance, and Cash Assistance.
• While talking to the individuals and families in person, you will complete the application process and interview process by entering data on a computer and accessing multiple screens.
• Adhering to agency standards in a high-volume field office, measured by metrics, attendance, service levels, accuracy, and timeliness.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge in:

• Customer service practices.
• Computer navigation of various software applications, including but not limited to Google Suite or Microsoft.

Skills In:

• Professional written and verbal communication.
• Customer friendly, empathetic and patient.
• Computer experience; typing, navigating and using multiple computer systems on multiple screens while talking to the client by phone.
• Core math skills, including but not limited to, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Abilities to:

• Evaluate and make appropriate decisions (or determinations).
• Access, maintain, review and interpret information.
• Work independently as well as interacting with others on a team.
• Review and explain eligibility requirements with applicants of diverse backgrounds and guide them to resources as part of the interview process.

Selective Preference(s):
The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• One (1) year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one (1) year of customer service experience.
• A High School Diploma or GED.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Successfully pass background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the Agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:
The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly placed foster/adopted child
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

Contact Us:
For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Meracle Cothron at mcothron.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting Meracle Cothron at  or mcothron. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.