ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60024384

State of Florida • Belle Isle, FL

39d • Onsite

About The Position

The Eligibility Specialist I works for the Florida Department of Children and Families in Orlando, determining applicants’ and recipients’ eligibility for government assistance programs, including Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance. The position processes information from electronic sources and enters data into a computerized eligibility system in accordance with state and federal requirements. Work is high-volume and deadline-driven, requiring the specialist to prioritize and organize a caseload while adapting to changes in program policy and computer systems.

The role involves interviewing applicants, verifying information, reviewing applications and supporting documents, applying program regulations, and calculating and authorizing benefits based on financial and family circumstances. Specialists advise clients about deadlines and required actions, maintain electronic files, document contacts, and conduct ongoing case reviews. The position may include face-to-face contact with clients and may require work during emergencies or natural disasters. Candidates must attend an 8–12-week mandatory training course and complete required skills assessments. Eligible employees may be considered for telework after at least nine months with the department, completion of training, and meeting or exceeding performance expectations.

Requirements

• At least two years of customer service, interviewing, recruiting, investigating, accounting, insurance policy processing, or eligibility determination experience; or an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours in place of the experience.
• Ability to attend an 8–12-week mandatory training course.
• Successful completion of required skills assessments covering typing, general aptitude, computer skills, and personality profile.
• Ability to apply laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple government assistance programs.
• 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 regulations.
• 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 instructions.
• Candidates must complete the application profile in its entirety and provide verifiable information supporting their qualifications.

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 on completing forms and review submitted applications and forms for completeness and accuracy.
• Determine program eligibility using a computer-based eligibility system and current regulations.
• Research applicant-provided information until eligibility status is adequately confirmed.
• Report cases in which identity theft or fraud is suspected.
• Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and actions they need to take.
• Work with clients who do not take required actions within the required time frame.
• Establish, maintain, review, and update electronic case files.
• Document all client communications and contacts.
• Manage an electronic caseload, maintain accuracy, and process cases within state and federal time frames.
• Calculate and authorize government assistance benefits based on financial and family status, and explain monthly benefit amounts to customers.
• Keep current with changes in rules, laws, procedures, and other requirements affecting timeliness and accuracy.

Benefits

• Competitive employee benefits and total compensation package.
• Training and opportunities for advancement and professional development.
• Potential eligibility 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