ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60024547

State of Florida • Tampa, FL

14d

About The Position

The Eligibility Specialist I determines whether applicants and recipients qualify for government assistance programs, including Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance. The role processes information from electronic sources and enters data into a computer-based eligibility system in accordance with state and federal requirements. Work is high-volume and deadline-driven, requiring prioritization, planning, flexibility, and ongoing adaptation to changes in program policy and computer systems.

The specialist interviews applicants, verifies information, reviews applications and supporting documents, explains forms and deadlines, researches questions about eligibility, and documents client contacts. The position also determines and authorizes benefits based on financial and family circumstances, explains monthly benefit amounts, manages electronic case files and caseloads, and maintains accuracy and timeliness under applicable regulations. The role may involve face-to-face client contact and may require work during emergencies or natural disasters.

New hires must attend an intensive mandatory training course lasting 8–12 weeks, followed by ongoing training. Candidates must complete the required skills assessments within three days of receiving the email link. Telework may be available after successful completion of training and consistently meeting or exceeding performance expectations. Employment is subject to state and national background screening.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience in customer service, interviewing, recruiting, investigating, accounting, processing insurance policies, or determining eligibility; alternatively, an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university, or 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours, may substitute for the experience.
• Ability to attend a mandatory 8–12-week training course.
• Successfully complete the required skills assessment, including typing, general aptitude, computer skills, and personality profile tests.
• Ability to apply laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple government assistance programs and their case administration.
• Ability to review images, including pictures and handwritten notes, to make eligibility determinations.
• Ability to communicate with others to obtain and verify eligibility information.
• Ability to detect and evaluate potential fraud.
• Ability to analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Ability to enter data accurately into a computerized system and navigate computer screens and basic documents and forms.
• Ability to plan and organize a caseload to meet eligibility and timeliness requirements.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply complicated and detailed regulations and policy directives.
• Ability to perform mathematical computations accurately and rapidly.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
• Ability to use computers and related software packages and follow written and oral directions.
• Complete the Candidate Profile in its entirety, including supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods and explanations for employment gaps.
• Provide verifiable experience, education, training, knowledge, skills, abilities, and responses to pre-qualifying questions.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered in selection based on agency needs.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants to obtain and verify information needed to determine eligibility for Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance.
• Learn and apply state and federal program regulations through mandatory initial and ongoing training.
• Instruct clients in completing forms and review applications and submitted forms for completeness and accuracy.
• Determine program eligibility using current regulations and a computer-based eligibility system.
• Research applicant-provided information until eligibility questions are satisfactorily resolved.
• Report cases in which identity theft or fraud is suspected.
• Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and required actions.
• Work with clients who may not take required actions within established time frames.
• Establish, maintain, review, and update multiple electronic files.
• Document all communications and contacts with clients.
• Manage an electronic caseload, maintain accuracy, and process cases within time frames set by federal and state regulations.
• Compute and authorize government assistance benefits based on financial and family status, and review and explain monthly benefit amounts to customers.
• Stay current on changes to rules, laws, procedures, and other requirements affecting timeliness and accuracy.

Benefits

• The State of Florida offers a competitive employee benefits package.
• Employees are encouraged to pursue department opportunities for advancement and professional development.
• Training and growth opportunities are promoted for employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree