Benefits And Eligibility Specialist Senior (Eligibility Interviewer Lead)

Arizona Department of Administration•Yuma, AZ

1d•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 for the Yuma Field Office. This position primarily serves as a lead to Benefits and Eligibility Specialists, providing assistance, direction, monitoring, and training in the areas of fraud, overpayment interviewing, and investigative techniques. It also involves troubleshooting problem situations and assisting in diffusing difficult customer interactions. Additionally, the role is responsible for performing complex eligibility work, including determining initial and ongoing eligibility for public assistance programs and services. This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona, based on business needs and performance. The State of Arizona promotes a work culture of flexibility, autonomy, and trust, with many employees participating in the Remote Work Program.

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.
Knowledge of community resources and customer service practices.
Skills 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).
Ability to resolve program-related issues and provide technical assistance to staff.
Ability to lead, direct, and train other eligibility staff.
Ability to explain program benefits, requirements, procedures, and 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.
Successfully pass background and reference check.
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

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 data and information gathered and compares findings with established guidelines of the 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
Option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule
Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) defined benefit plan
Voluntary deferred compensation program