Benefits And Eligibility Specialist Senior (Eligibility Interviewer Lead)

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

2d•$44,576•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join their team as a Benefits and Eligibility Specialist Senior (Eligibility Interviewer Lead) for the Maricopa 1 Customer Care Center. This position primarily serves as a lead to Benefits and Eligibility Specialists, providing assistance, direction, monitoring, and training in fraud, overpayment interviewing, and investigative techniques. The role also involves troubleshooting problem situations, assisting in diffusing difficult customer interactions, and performing complex eligibility work to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for public assistance programs and services. The position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona, depending on business needs and performance.

Requirements

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.
Knowledge of policies, procedures, and programs of the department applicable to the area of assignment.
Knowledge of program services used to conduct quality control reviews and automated systems and software.
Knowledge of interviewing and assessment techniques and 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) and resolve program-related issues.
Ability to provide technical assistance to staff.
Ability to detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.
Ability to access, maintain, review, and interpret database information.
Ability to lead, direct, and train other eligibility staff.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to explain program benefits, requirements, procedures, complex rules, and programs so they can be understood by people of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
Two (2) years of experience performing FAA eligibility reviews and determinations.
Must possess a valid Driver's License if driving or using a vehicle is an essential function of the job.
Must successfully pass a background and reference check.
Must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate for this position will have: Two (2) years of experience performing FAA eligibility reviews and determinations.

Responsibilities

Serves as a mentor, lead, or coach to lower-level staff.
Interprets and explains information such as eligibility requirements, application details, payment methods, and applicants' legal rights.
Interprets the meaning of information for others, translating or explaining its significance and application.
Assists with determining initial and ongoing eligibility for benefits and public assistance programs.
Assists with processing cases by verifying customer statements, completing evaluations and review sheets, setting up records and files, keeping applicants informed, advising of alternatives, and maintaining records.
Ensures accuracy and timely completion of assignments and projects to meet daily objectives, performance measures, and agency goals.
Plans workflow and controls daily working arrangements for assigned duties.
Consults with appropriate personnel regarding program objectives, accountability, and service delivery.
Documents gathered data and information, comparing findings with established guidelines of eligibility programs.
Compiles, records, and evaluates personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status.
Prepares for regional and state reviews and audits by identifying problematic areas.
Keeps records of assigned cases and prepares required reports.
Provides technical support to ensure staff compliance with eligibility rules, policies, standards, and processes to ensure the accuracy of each determination per policy and procedures for each program applied for.

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 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
Improved work/life balance, higher job satisfaction, and increased productivity through remote work options.