Eligibility Advisor I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Alpine, TX

4d•$2,953 - $4,366•Hybrid

About The Position

The Eligibility Advisor I works in the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Access and Eligibility Services division, determining eligibility for public assistance programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities, and Medicaid. The position includes the Eligibility Advisor, Medical Eligibility Specialist, and Hospital Based Worker classifications. Employees receive paid formal training and may be considered for promotion to Eligibility Advisor II after a one-year probationary period when performance requirements are met. Applicants with recent AES eligibility experience at Eligibility Advisor II or higher may be considered for rehire at that level, subject to current training requirements. The role involves interviewing applicants and recipients, collecting and evaluating financial and personal information, entering information in a computer-based eligibility system, and computing and authorizing benefits. Work must follow state and federal regulations, established procedures, guidelines, and deadlines. The position requires effective customer service and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. The field office’s regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; overtime outside normal operating hours, including weekends, may be required. The position is based in Alpine, Texas, is eligible for telework subject to agency policy and supervisor discretion, and may require travel up to 10%.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
One year of customer service experience involving public contact; qualifying experience may include retail, call center, clerical, hospitality, banking, receptionist, or similar work. Thirty semester hours or 45 quarter hours from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of required experience.
Ability to use fact-finding techniques to obtain, relate, and evaluate information provided by applicants.
Ability to read, understand, apply, and explain detailed regulations and policies.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic.
Ability to manage time and prioritize work according to deadlines.
Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to follow written and oral directions and instructions.
Ability to operate computers for data entry and basic office software, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
General computer and related technology proficiency, including software, hardware, operating systems, and typing skills.
Ability to use Microsoft Teams and potentially soft phone technology.
Ability to work in a highly stressful, fast-paced environment under constant pressure to meet deadlines.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal history background check.
Must not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or a program it administers. Applicants with an outstanding non-fraud overpayment balance must agree to repay it as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Sixty semester hours or 90 quarter hours from an accredited college or university.
Experience interviewing clients and gathering personal information in person or over the phone.
Recent AES program eligibility experience as an Eligibility Advisor II or higher may qualify an applicant for consideration for rehire at the Eligibility Advisor II level, subject to current training requirements.

Responsibilities

Interview applicants and recipients in person or by inbound or outbound telephone calls to obtain financial and personal information for eligibility determinations.
Evaluate information from electronic and other sources and enter it into a computer-based eligibility system.
Compute and authorize benefits based on eligibility determinations.
Process work according to state and federal regulations, established procedures, guidelines, and timeframes.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Work overtime outside normal operating hours, potentially including weekends, when required by management.