ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60046784

State of Florida•Miami, FL

3d•Onsite

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 under state and federal requirements. Work is high-volume and deadline-driven, requiring prioritization, planning, and flexibility as program policies and systems change. The position may involve face-to-face contact with clients. The specialist interviews applicants, verifies information, reviews documents, applies program regulations, and calculates and authorizes benefits based on financial and family circumstances. The role also maintains electronic files, caseload records, and communications with clients, while ensuring cases are accurate and completed within required time frames. Mandatory training lasts 8–12 weeks. Hired candidates may become eligible for telework after completing training and demonstrating consistently satisfactory or better performance. Employees may be expected to work during emergencies or natural disasters.

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 and grant determinations 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 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, documents, and forms.
Ability to plan and organize a caseload to meet eligibility and timeliness requirements.
Ability to read, understand, and apply complicated 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.

Nice To Haves

Language proficiency may be considered in selection based on agency needs.
Hired candidates may be eligible for telework after completing training and consistently meeting or exceeding performance expectations.

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 submitted applications and forms for completeness and accuracy.
Determine program eligibility using current regulations and a computer-based eligibility system.
Research information provided by applicants until satisfactory explanations regarding eligibility status are confirmed.
Report cases where identity theft or fraud is suspected.
Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and required actions.
Work with clients who do not take required actions within the established time frame.
Establish and maintain electronic files and conduct regular reviews and updates.
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 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.