ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60036263

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

27d

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 prioritization, organization, flexibility, and continuing attention to changes in program policies and systems. The position may require face-to-face contact with clients.

The specialist interviews clients, helps them complete forms, reviews submitted information, researches and verifies eligibility details, and determines and authorizes benefits based on financial and family circumstances. The specialist explains benefit amounts and deadlines, maintains electronic case files, documents contacts, manages a caseload, and works to meet accuracy and timeliness standards. The role also involves identifying and reporting suspected identity theft or fraud, applying detailed regulations, and participating in mandatory training and ongoing learning. Incumbents may be expected to work during emergencies or natural disasters. Telework may be available to eligible employees after at least nine months with the department, 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, including typing, general aptitude, computer skills, and an employee personality profile; the assessment must be completed within three days of receiving the link.
• Ability to apply laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple government assistance programs.
• Ability to review images of documents, communicate to obtain and verify information, detect potential fraud, and analyze written, numerical, and verbal data.
• Ability to enter data accurately, use computers and related software, navigate computer screens, and complete and review basic documents and forms.
• Ability to plan and organize a caseload, read and apply detailed regulations and policy directives, perform mathematical computations accurately and rapidly, maintain cooperative working relationships, and follow written and oral directions.
• Education, certification, or licensure documentation must be attached when applicable.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawfully authorized alien workers.
• Successful completion and approval of required state and national criminal background screening is a condition of employment.
• Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet the stated Selective Service registration or exemption requirement.
• Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must provide the required supporting documentation by the vacancy announcement closing date.

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 mandatory initial and ongoing training.
• Instruct clients in completing forms and review applications and forms for completeness and accuracy.
• Determine eligibility under current regulations using a computer-based eligibility system.
• Research applicant-provided information and obtain satisfactory explanations to confirm eligibility status.
• Report cases involving 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, maintain, review, and update electronic files; document communications and client contacts.
• Manage an electronic caseload and process cases accurately within state and federal time frames.
• Compute and authorize benefits based on financial and family status, and review and explain monthly benefit amounts to customers.
• Stay current with changes to rules, laws, procedures, and other requirements affecting timeliness and accuracy.
• Apply eligibility and grant-determination rules and administer assistance program cases.
• Review electronic images of client documents, including pictures and handwritten notes, to make eligibility determinations.
• Communicate with others to obtain and verify eligibility information.
• Analyze written, numerical, and verbal information from various sources and perform mathematical computations.
• Enter data accurately, navigate computer screens, and complete and review basic computer documents and forms.
• Plan and organize caseload work to meet eligibility and timeliness requirements.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff, and follow written and oral instructions.

Benefits

• The State of Florida offers an employee benefits package; the posting refers applicants to the state benefits website for details.
• Department employees have opportunities for advancement, training, and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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