ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60025532

State of Florida • Brent, FL

13d

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 involves interviewing applicants, processing information from electronic sources, entering and reviewing data in a computer-based eligibility system, and applying state and federal requirements. The work is high-volume and deadline-driven, requiring employees to organize and prioritize caseloads while adapting to policy and system changes.

The position requires intensive initial training on program regulations and continued training as rules and procedures change. Specialists review applications and supporting documents, communicate with clients to clarify information and explain required actions and deadlines, investigate potential fraud, maintain electronic case files, document contacts, and determine, calculate, authorize, and explain benefit amounts. The role may involve face-to-face contact with clients and may require work during emergencies or natural disasters.

The position is based in Pensacola, Florida. Candidates may become eligible for telework after completing training and demonstrating consistently satisfactory or stronger performance. The posting states that vacancies may be filled in either OPS or Career Service.

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 a mandatory 8–12-week training course.
• Successful completion of required skills assessments in typing, general aptitude, computer skills, and personality profile to advance in the hiring process.
• Ability to apply laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determinations 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 complex 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.
• Completion of a thorough application, including supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods and explanations for employment gaps.
• Eligibility for employment requires successful completion and approval of the required state and national criminal background screening.

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 intensive 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 until eligibility explanations are satisfactorily confirmed.
• Report cases where identity theft or fraud is suspected.
• Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and actions they need to take.
• Work with clients who may not take required actions within the specified time frame.
• Establish, maintain, review, and update electronic case files.
• Document communications and contacts with clients.
• Manage an electronic caseload, maintaining accuracy and processing cases within federal and state time frames.
• Calculate 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.
• Training and opportunities for advancement and professional development are available.

What This Job Offers

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