ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST I - 60052300

State of Florida • Jacksonville Beach, FL

32d

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 clients, verifying information, processing electronic records, and entering data into a computer-based eligibility system in accordance with state and federal requirements. The work is high-volume and deadline-driven, requiring effective planning and prioritization as policies, regulations, and systems change.

The employee completes intensive training before receiving a full caseload and continues to receive training as regulations evolve. Duties may include face-to-face contact with clients. Hired employees may be eligible for telework after at least nine months with the department, completion of training, and meeting or exceeding performance expectations. Incumbents 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 the required skills assessment, including typing, general aptitude, computer skills, and personality-profile tests.
• Ability to apply laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility, benefit determinations, and case administration for multiple government assistance programs.
• Ability to review images, including pictures and handwritten notes, and use the information 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 varied sources.
• Ability to enter data accurately into computerized systems 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 detailed regulations and policy directives.
• Ability to perform varied 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, and follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawfully authorized alien workers.
• Successful completion and approval of required state and national background screening is a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process based on agency needs.

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 eligibility under current regulations using a computer-based eligibility system.
• Research applicant-provided information until eligibility-related explanations are satisfactory and 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, maintain, review, and update multiple electronic files.
• Document all communications and contacts with clients.
• Manage an electronic caseload, maintaining accuracy and processing 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 in rules, laws, procedures, and other requirements affecting timeliness and accuracy.

Benefits

• The State of Florida offers an 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: No Education Listed