ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60021321

State of Florida • Sarasota, FL

46d

About The Position

The Eligibility Specialist I determines applicants’ and recipients’ 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 the specialist to prioritize, plan, and organize a caseload while adapting to changes in program policy and computer systems.

The specialist interviews applicants, verifies information, reviews and explains benefit determinations, and assists clients with applications and forms. The role requires learning detailed program regulations through an 8–12-week mandatory training course and ongoing training. It may involve face-to-face client contact. Hired candidates may become eligible for telework after successfully completing training and consistently meeting or exceeding performance expectations.

The position may require work during emergencies or natural disasters. Candidates must complete required skills assessments and pass background screening before beginning employment.

Requirements

• At least two years of 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 an 8–12-week mandatory training course.
• Successful completion of required typing, general aptitude, computer skills, and personality assessments.
• 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, to make eligibility determinations.
• Ability to communicate with others to obtain and verify eligibility information.
• Ability to detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Ability to enter data accurately into a computerized system.
• Ability to navigate computer screens and complete and review basic computer 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.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• Complete the application in its entirety and provide verifiable work history, education, training, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered based on agency needs at the time of selection.

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 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 status.
• Report suspected identity theft or fraud.
• Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and required actions.
• Work with clients who do not take required actions within established time frames.
• Establish and maintain electronic files and conduct regular reviews and updates.
• Document communications and contacts with clients.
• Manage an electronic caseload, maintain accuracy, and process cases within state and federal time frames.
• Compute and authorize government assistance benefits based on financial and family status, and review and explain monthly benefit amounts to customers.
• Stay current with changes in rules, laws, procedures, and other requirements affecting timeliness and accuracy.

Benefits

• The State of Florida offers a competitive employee benefits package; details are available through the State benefits website.
• Department employees are encouraged to pursue advancement and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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