Eligibility Specialist II - TANF
About The Position
The Eligibility Specialist II determines initial and continued eligibility for public assistance programs. This vacancy is within the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Unit, with a strong focus 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 interacts with people from varied backgrounds and in different emotional states, requiring strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills. The position is with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence, in Bangor. Partial telework is allowed with management approval. The position 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 needed to support 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.
Responsibilities
- Interview clients and obtain and assess facts, data, supporting information, and documentation related to applications or recertifications for public assistance.
- 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 various programs.
- Enter data accurately into an automated system and ensure accurate eligibility results.
- Communicate verbally and in writing with clients, coworkers, and other agencies.
- Perform intermediate mathematical calculations.
- Maintain the confidentiality of applicant and recipient information.
- Potentially perform quality control work by reviewing eligibility decisions made by others.
Benefits
- 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of annual vacation leave; vacation accrual increases with years of service.
- Personal leave for overtime-exempt employees.
- 12 days of sick leave per year.
- State-paid employee-only health insurance premiums of 85%–95%, depending on salary; dependent coverage is also described in the employer’s premium information.
- A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for eligible participants.
- State-paid employee-only dental insurance premiums.
- State retirement contributions equivalent to 14.06% of employee pay to MainePERS.
- 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 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
