Eligibility Processing Specialist

State of Montana•Helena, MT

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant. Our services impact EVERY Montanan! MISSION STATEMENT To be the nation's most citizen oriented, efficiently administered, state tax agency. The Montana Department of Revenue administers almost 40 state taxes, property appraisals, liquor laws, and unclaimed property for the state of Montana. The Property Assessment Division manages Montana’s property tax laws, including the valuation of all taxable property for property tax purposes. Job Overview: This position resides in the Property Assessment Division of Department of Revenue . The Exemption Processing Specialist (EPS) assists in the processing and oversight of the Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP), the Montana Disabled Veterans (MVD) Program, the Homestead Rate Reduction Program (HRRP), and other exemption programs or processes the Property Assessment Division may be responsible for administering. The EPS is responsible for reviewing, processing, and maintaining exemption applications submitted by property owners, businesses, or other eligible parties, while ensuring timely and accurate application processing in accordance with state laws, regulations, and department and division policies. The position requires strong attention to detail, citizen service skills, and the ability to interpret Montana statutes. This is a temporary 2- year position for FYE 2027

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, associated degree preferred
Two years of education or experience in administrative or clerical services, preferably in a government setting.
Two years of job-related experience.
Knowledge of: Records processing
Administrative rules, policies, and procedures
Property tax systems
Exemption laws
Skills in: Research and analysis
Accuracy and attention to detail
Organization and time management
Self-motivation and working independently
Citizen service
Conflict Resolution
Microsoft programs and other database applications
Written, verbal, and interpersonal communication

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience in property appraisal and assessment.
Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Responsibilities

Review and verify incoming exemption applications for completeness and eligibility.
Communicate with applicants to obtain missing documentation or clarification.
Research exemption issues.
Interpret and apply applicable laws, rules, and guidelines related to various exemption types.
Enter and maintain accurate records in relevant databases or systems, ensuring that exemption recordkeeping complies with applicable regulations and professional standards.
Prepare correspondence, notices of determination, and official documentation regarding exemption status.
Collaborate with field office staff, legal staff, central office staff, and leadership on complex or questionable applications.
Communicate exemption status determinations with applicants, field offices, and county officials.
Respond to public inquiries via phone, email, or in person regarding exemption processing and criteria.
Conduct audits or reviews of previously granted exemptions.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of exemption statuses, policy, stature, and rule changes, and department procedures.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision care; life insurance; and long-term disability.
The State currently contributes $12,648/year toward these benefits.
Free health care for employees and eligible family member at Montana Health Centers.
Employee Assistance Benefits including counseling, legal assistance, well-being coaching, financial information, which are free resources.
Retirement plans- The State currently contributes 9.17 %, vested after 5 years of continuous employment.
Paid vacation- starting at 15 days a year.
Sick leave- 12 days a year.
11 holidays, including a floating holiday, which can be used any time.
Flexible hours.
Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.