ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60055136

State of Florida • Quincy, FL

13d

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 it into a computer-based eligibility system in accordance with state and federal requirements. The work is high-volume, deadline-driven, and requires prioritizing and organizing a caseload while adapting to changes in program policies and computer systems.

Specialists interview applicants, obtain and verify information, help clients complete forms, review submissions for accuracy, and determine eligibility and benefit amounts under applicable regulations. They research discrepancies, identify suspected fraud or identity theft, explain deadlines and required actions, maintain electronic case files, document client contacts, and process cases within required time frames. The position may involve face-to-face contact with clients and may require work during emergencies or natural disasters.

The role requires intensive initial training in program regulations and continued training as rules and procedures change. Hired candidates may be eligible for telework after at least nine months of department employment, completion of training, and meeting or exceeding performance expectations.

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.
• Successful completion of required skills assessments in typing, general aptitude, computer skills, and employee personality profile.
• Ability to apply laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility, grant determination, and case administration for multiple assistance programs.
• Ability to review images, including pictures or handwritten notes, and make eligibility determinations based on the information provided.
• 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 and navigate computer screens and 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 and follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• U.S. citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of required state and national criminal history background screening.

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 applications and submitted forms for completeness and accuracy.
• Determine program eligibility using a computer-based eligibility system and current regulations.
• Research applicant-provided information until satisfactory explanations regarding eligibility are confirmed.
• Report cases in which identity theft or fraud is suspected.
• Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and required actions, including when clients do not act within required time frames.
• Establish, maintain, review, and update electronic case files.
• Document all 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.
• Work during emergency situations or natural disasters when expected.

Benefits

• The State of Florida offers a competitive employee benefits package.
• Department opportunities for advancement and professional development.
• Eligible candidates may be considered for telework after at least nine months of department employment, completion of training, and meeting or exceeding performance expectations.

What This Job Offers

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