Eligibility Specialist I

State of Vermont • Middlebury, VT

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Economic Services Division (ESD) is responsible for the administration of benefits to help Vermonters meet their basic needs. ESD is one of 6 divisions under the Department for Children and Families (DCF) which is one of the largest departments (1000 employees) within the largest agency (Agency of Human Services) in the state of Vermont. ESD Leadership recognizes that the division's biggest resource is our staff and is committed to continuously looking at ways to strengthen and support our workforce. This position is located in the Middlebury district office which is known for teamwork, strong community partnerships and office comradery. The Eligibility Specialist (ES) primary role is to determine eligibility of those who have applied for benefits. The ES is also responsible for providing timely and accurate benefits to those who meet the criteria. ESD is looking for someone to join this team who: can demonstrate empathy, concern, and respect for all customers, is a critical thinker who can apply program rules to complex and dynamic situations, thrives in a busy work environment, is effective in assisting customers over the phone and in-person (if this is a district position), has experience working with individuals who may be distraught and emotional, enjoys working on a team, and is open to learning new technology.

Requirements

• Regular use of computer programs
• Clerical work and data entry
• Experience in a customer service environment
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, concern, and respect for all customers
• Critical thinking skills to apply program rules to complex and dynamic situations
• Ability to work effectively in a busy work environment
• Ability to assist customers over the phone and in-person
• Experience working with individuals who may be distraught and emotional
• Ability to work on a team
• Openness to learning new technology
• Must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position, including Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, DMV, and adult and child abuse registry checks.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in a customer service environment that included: regular use of computer programs AND clerical work and data entry.
• OR Bachelor's degree in a human service or financial field.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility of those who have applied for benefits.
• Provide timely and accurate benefits to those who meet the criteria.

Benefits

• Flex scheduling or alternative work schedules
• 12 paid holidays
• Sick and vacation time
• Excellent health insurance for employees and their families
• Dental insurance for employees and their families
• Vision insurance for employees and their families
• Retirement plans, including a pension
• Parental leave for all new parents, including adoptions
• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level