Eligibility Specialist II - TANF

State of Maine•Lewiston, ME

8d•$23 - $32•Hybrid

About The Position

The Eligibility Specialist II determines initial and continued eligibility for public assistance programs. This vacancy is in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Unit and focuses strongly on TANF policy. The position may also perform quality control work by reviewing eligibility decisions made by others. Work takes place in a fast-paced environment with high standards for customer service and program accuracy. The specialist gathers sensitive personal information to make timely and accurate eligibility determinations and needs strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills when interacting with people from varied backgrounds and emotional circumstances. The position is located in Lewiston and allows partial telework with management approval. It is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Requirements

A four-year combination of education, training, and/or progressively responsible experience in a social services setting demonstrating interviewing and data-gathering skills used to form the basis for judgments in eligibility determinations, claims resolutions, and/or customer service requests; OR a bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Business Administration, or another related field.
Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to provide customer service and make timely, accurate eligibility determinations in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Interview clients and obtain and assess facts, data, supporting information, and documentation related to public assistance applications or recertifications.
Evaluate information and apply allowable standards and criteria.
Explain program eligibility requirements, rules, regulations, and clients’ and representatives’ rights and responsibilities.
Review and analyze information for accuracy, identify inconsistencies, request documentation, and verify and validate data.
Answer inquiries and refer clients to programs.
Enter data accurately into an automated system and ensure accurate eligibility results.
Communicate verbally and in writing with clients, co-workers, and other agencies.
Perform intermediate mathematical calculations.
Maintain confidentiality of applicant and recipient information.
Perform quality control work by reviewing eligibility decisions made by others, as needed.

Benefits

13 paid holidays and at least three weeks of annual vacation leave, with accrual increasing with years of service.
Overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
12 days of sick leave per year.
State-paid 85%–95% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage is also available.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for participating in the applicable program.
State-paid 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State contribution equivalent to 14.06% of employee pay toward the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child, including non-birthing and adoptive parents; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.
Additional wellness benefits. Benefits may vary by collective bargaining agreement and are prorated for less than full-time employment.