Eligibility Benefits Specialist

State of Iowa•State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is hiring up to 15 Eligibility and Benefit Specialists, classified as Income Maintenance Worker 2, for its Medicaid Eligibility Team. Specialists assist Iowans seeking food, medical care, cash assistance, and other social services through programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF. The role includes customer contact, assessing information to determine benefit eligibility, and dedicated training on HHS programs and processes. This is a full-time position with a tentative January start date. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with overtime as needed, paid at time and a half. Employees work from the full-time HHS office nearest their residence. After six months of training and probation, the position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The non-negotiable starting annual pay for new state employees is $48,630.40. New employees are eligible for a pay increase after completing the six-month probationary period and again 12 months later. December graduates are welcome to apply.

Requirements

Sixty semester hours (or equivalent academic units) from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying public-contact work experience; or qualifying current continuous State executive branch experience at Clerk Advanced level or above.
Provide exceptional customer service.
Collect, analyze, and interpret complex policies, procedures, and information from customers or third parties.
Communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
Meet processing time frames and manage an individual workload while working within a team.
Prepare and present documents verbally and in writing.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Possess strong computer navigation and math skills.
Complete a background check to be considered for the position.
Perform all work on behalf of Iowa HHS within the State of Iowa.

Nice To Haves

Ability to communicate in a language in addition to English; applicants should note proficient additional languages in their application.

Responsibilities

Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for State and Federal assistance programs administered by HHS.
Process applications and recertifications within specified time frames.
Communicate with applicants by phone and explain program rules, responsibilities, and requirements.
Document case actions clearly and accurately.
Manage an assigned caseload, including reviewing documents, processing eligibility changes, participating in the appeals process, making referrals to other services, and completing corrective actions when necessary.
Perform other assigned duties, including participating in committees, work groups, public forums, and trainings.

Benefits

Health and dental insurance coverage at low cost.
Vision coverage.
Paid time off, including 96 hours of vacation per year to begin, increasing with years of service.
144 hours of sick leave per year.
Nine paid holidays per year.
IPERS retirement plan, with employees contributing 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributing 9.44%.
Retirement Investors Club (RIC) Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan, with the State matching dollar for dollar up to $75 per month.
Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
Life insurance.
Free long-term disability insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Employee discount programs.