Eligibility Advisor I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Columbus, TX

3d•$2,953 - $4,366•Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Access and Eligibility Services (AES) division seeks an Eligibility Advisor I to help Texans access food, medical care, cash assistance, and other social services. AES works to connect individuals with services that reduce institutionalization, support people in remaining in their communities, and promote economic and personal self-sufficiency. The team emphasizes respect, ownership, collaboration, integrity, and customer service. The Eligibility Advisor I position covers work across three classifications—Eligibility Advisor, Medical Eligibility Specialist, and Hospital Based Worker—and establishes eligibility for programs including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD), and Medicaid. The position includes paid formal training. After a one-year probationary period, employees may be considered for promotion to Eligibility Advisor II after meeting performance requirements. 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 position is full-time and nonexempt, based in Columbus, Texas, with telework eligibility subject to applicable policies, supervisor discretion, and business needs. Normal office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Travel may be up to 10%. Overtime may be required outside normal operating hours, potentially including weekends. The work involves a fast-paced, stressful environment with pressure to meet deadlines. Selected applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal history background check and may be subject to other due diligence checks. Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or its programs; applicants with an outstanding non-fraud overpayment balance must agree to repay it as a condition of employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
One year of customer service experience involving public contact; examples 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 functions and manage time by prioritizing 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 use, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel; general computer and related technology proficiency, including typing skills.
Ability to use Microsoft Teams and potentially soft phone technology as part of everyday work.
Ability to work overtime as required by management outside normal hours, potentially including weekends.
Ability to work in a highly stressful, fast-paced environment under constant pressure to meet deadlines.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal history background check if selected for hire.
Must not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or a program it administers; those 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.

Responsibilities

Interview applicants and recipients in person or by inbound or outbound telephone calls to obtain financial and personal information used to determine eligibility for public assistance programs.
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 in accordance with state and federal regulations, established procedures, guidelines, and timeframes.
Perform other duties as assigned.