ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60064829

State of Florida • Fort Myers, FL

10d

About The Position

The Eligibility Specialist I determines eligibility 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 employees to prioritize and organize a caseload while adapting to changes in policies and computer systems.

The position involves interviewing applicants, reviewing and verifying information, guiding clients through application forms, applying program regulations, researching discrepancies, identifying suspected fraud, and calculating and authorizing benefits. Specialists maintain electronic case files, document client communications, explain benefit amounts and required actions, and ensure cases are accurate and processed within required time frames. The role may involve face-to-face contact with clients and may require work during emergencies or natural disasters.

New employees must attend an intensive mandatory training course lasting 8–12 weeks, followed by ongoing training. Hired candidates may become eligible for telework after completing training and demonstrating consistently satisfactory or better performance. The position is with the Florida Department of Children and Families in Fort Myers, Florida.

Requirements

• At least two years of customer service, interviewing, recruiting, investigating, accounting, insurance policy processing, or eligibility determination experience; alternatively, an associate degree or higher, or 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours, may substitute for the experience.
• Ability to attend an 8–12-week mandatory training course.
• Successful completion of required typing, general aptitude, computer skills, and personality assessments to advance in the hiring process; the assessments must be completed within three days of receiving the link.
• Ability to apply laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility, grant determination, and case administration for multiple government assistance programs.
• Ability to review images, including pictures or handwritten notes, and make eligibility determinations from the information provided.
• 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 information from various sources.
• Ability to enter data accurately into computerized systems 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 instructions.
• Required education, certification, or licensure must be attached when applying if applicable.
• The application must be complete and include supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods; gaps in employment must be explained, and listed qualifications must be verifiable.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawfully authorized alien workers.
• Candidates must successfully complete required state and national criminal background screening before beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered based on agency needs at the time of selection.
• Telework may be available after successful completion of training and demonstration of consistently meeting or exceeding performance expectations.

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 submitted applications and forms for completeness and accuracy.
• Determine program eligibility using current regulations and a computer-based eligibility system.
• Research applicant-provided information and obtain satisfactory explanations relevant to eligibility.
• Report cases involving suspected identity theft or fraud.
• Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and actions they need to take.
• Work with clients who do not complete required actions within the specified time frame.
• Establish, maintain, review, and update multiple electronic case files.
• Document all communications and contacts with clients.
• Manage an electronic caseload, maintain accuracy, and process cases within state and federal deadlines.
• Calculate 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.
• Attend the mandatory training course and complete required hiring assessments.
• Perform job tasks in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements.

Benefits

• The State of Florida offers an employee benefits and total compensation package; details are available through the State benefits website.
• Employees are encouraged to pursue department opportunities for advancement and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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