Benefits And Eligibility Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Benefits and Eligibility Specialist works in the Department of Economic Security’s Child and Community Services Division, Family Services Eligibility unit. The position reviews applications for public assistance programs and determines applicant and recipient eligibility through interviews, fact-finding, and verification of information. It ensures applications are complete and accurate, responds to customer questions and concerns, and explains available programs and services. The specialist also provides guidance about rules and policies to claimants, representatives, employers, doctors, and state and federal agencies, and obtains information needed to make eligibility determinations. The position is located at 4365 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85040. The posted salary is $20.0449 per hour, and the posting closes November 3, 2026. Remote work may be available as a management option, but is not an employee entitlement and may be ended at the agency’s discretion.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and one year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one year of customer service experience (identified as the ideal candidate profile).
Obtain and maintain a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card that meets DES requirements.
Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent on completing this process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify), as required of newly hired State employees.
If driving or using a vehicle is required as an essential job function, meet the applicable driver’s license requirements.
Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing eligibility for diverse public assistance programs.
Knowledge of effective customer service principles and practices and computers and software such as Microsoft and Google.
Ability to explain and interpret applicable federal and state laws, statutes, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
Written and verbal communication, time management, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to apply policies, procedures, programs, and the laws and rules governing eligibility and case administration for multiple public assistance programs.
Ability to use fact-finding techniques and conduct in-depth interactive interviews; analyze written, numerical, and verbal data; and enter and maintain data accurately and timely in a computerized system.
Ability to prepare clear, concise, accurate records and reports; explain complex programs to people from diverse backgrounds; review tax documents for household filing information; and detect and evaluate potential fraud.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED and one year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one year of customer service experience (listed as the ideal candidate profile).

Responsibilities

Conduct interactive interviews to determine eligibility for government programs based on factors such as income and household composition.
Remain ready to answer calls and perform determinations by phone.
Communicate respectfully and effectively to address customer concerns and determine appropriate resolutions.
Review applications to ensure they meet program requirements and are complete and accurate.
Initiate and process applications through voice and other automated systems.
Calculate and determine the level of benefits to which clients are entitled, including making complex computations and computer entries and analyzing results.
Enter and retrieve numerical and narrative data and issue benefits through an automated computer system.
Explain program eligibility requirements, rules, regulations, and application procedures to clients.
Assist clients with applications, identify needs, and make appropriate referrals for health, social, or employment services.
Provide customer service for complex cases, de-escalate potentially volatile situations, and respond to questions and complaints in person, by telephone, mail, or email.
Monitor ongoing eligibility by obtaining periodic updates to eligibility factors and taking appropriate action when they change.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, training, presentations, and orientations.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
Arizona State Retirement System participation and long-term disability plans.
10 paid holidays per year.
Paid vacation 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.
Voluntary deferred compensation program for tax-deferred retirement investments.