Eligibility Determination Specialist

State of Tennessee – Department of Human Services, Scott County.

• Opening Date/Time: 07/14/2026 12:00 AM Central Time
• Closing Date/Time: 07/27/2026 11:59 PM Central Time
• Salary (Monthly): $3,229.00 - $4,041.00
• Salary (Annually): $38,748.00 - $48,492.00
• Job Type: Full‑Time
• Location:
  
  Huntsville, TN
• Position:
  Eligibility Assistant (Learning Level)
• On‑site Position

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Substitution of Experience for
  
  Education:
  
  Qualifying full‑time professional eligibility determination experience and/or a combination of para‑professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Two years of full‑time para‑professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services.

• Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority.
• Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority.
• Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records clerk.

This is a learning‑level role performing eligibility determination for SNAP and TANF programs. The incumbent will learn to interview customers, determine eligibility, and perform case management under direct supervision. Upon successful completion of a mandatory one‑year training period, the employee will be re‑classified to Eligibility Counselor
2. Unacceptable or needs‑improvement performance during training results in automatic demotion or termination.

• Learns to manage a workload of initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for SNAP and TANF programs based on specific demographic and economic criteria, conducting probing interviews with customers by phone or in person.
• Learns to provide case management for initial SNAP and TANF eligibility, ongoing eligibility, and customer changes to assess impact on continued eligibility through direct customer engagement via phone or in person.
• Learns to calculate monthly income and expenses to ensure accurate budgeting and documents information regarding verifications requested/received, benefits and services provided, and other case‑related activity using a computerized case record and/or paper case files.
• Learns to ensure accurate receipt of entitled benefits by reviewing, verifying, and utilizing data provided by customers and multiple electronic systems while maintaining confidentiality.
• Learns to assist customers with the application process and scheduling appointments.
• Learns to review and interpret program policy and explain eligibility and ongoing responsibilities for programs/services to ensure customer understanding.
• Learns to assess customer's strengths and consider their goals, desired outcomes, work activities, and supportive services to aid in self‑sufficiency. Identifies benefits and services that may be available to customers within the Department or from external sources and makes referrals as appropriate.
• Learns to develop and maintain partnerships with vendors and outside organizations to obtain information, promote programs, and identify available services and benefits to effectively meet customer needs and promote self‑sufficiency.

• Tech Savvy
• Decision Quality
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Communicates Effectively
• Instills Trust

• Customer and Personal Language
• English Language

• Mathematics
• Active Learning and Listening
• Complex Problem Solving
• Time Management

• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Written Comprehension

• General Office Equipment
• Computer/Laptop/Tablet
• Multifunctional Printer (Print/Scan/Fax/Copy)
• Calculator