Benefits And Eligibility Specialist (Eligibility Interviewer)

Arizona Department of Administration•Buckeye, AZ

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Benefits and Eligibility Specialist (Eligibility Interviewer) works for the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility, Family Assistance Administration, at the Buckeye Field Office. The role determines eligibility for Nutrition Assistance, Medical Assistance, and Cash Assistance for Arizonans. This is an in-person, on-site position in a fast-paced office environment, assisting clients in person and/or by telephone. The position includes paid classroom training and on-the-job training. The interviewer gathers information and conducts interviews with individuals and families, completes application and interview processes using a computer and multiple screens, and explains eligibility requirements and helps applicants find resources. The role calls for sound decision-making, independent work, multitasking, and empathetic, professional communication with people in challenging and personal situations. Performance is measured against agency standards for metrics, attendance, service levels, accuracy, and timeliness.

Requirements

Knowledge of customer service practices.
Knowledge of computer navigation and software applications, including Google Suite or Microsoft applications.
Professional written and verbal communication skills.
Customer-friendly, empathetic, and patient manner.
Computer experience, including typing and navigating multiple computer systems and screens while speaking with clients by phone.
Core math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Ability to evaluate information and make appropriate decisions or determinations.
Ability to access, maintain, review, and interpret information.
Ability to work independently and interact with others as part of a team.
Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent on completion of the process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), required for all newly hired State employees.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one year of customer service experience.
High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

Assist clients in person and/or by telephone in a fast-paced office environment.
Attend paid classroom training and participate in on-the-job training.
Provide excellent in-person and telephone customer service to individuals and families facing challenging and personal situations.
Collect and gather information and conduct interviews to determine eligibility for Medical Assistance, Nutrition Assistance, and Cash Assistance.
Complete application and interview processes by entering data on a computer and accessing multiple screens while speaking with clients by phone.
Meet agency standards measured by metrics, attendance, service levels, accuracy, and timeliness.
Review and explain eligibility requirements to applicants from diverse backgrounds and guide them to resources as part of the interview process.

Benefits

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 time and sick time.
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child.
Deferred compensation plan.
Wellness plans.
Tuition reimbursement.
Stipend opportunities.
Infant at Work Program.
Rideshare and public transit subsidy.
Career advancement and employee development opportunities.
ASRS defined benefit plan providing lifelong income upon retirement.
Option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program for tax-deferred retirement investments.