Eligibility Specialist II
About The Position
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), through the Office for Family Independence, is hiring an Eligibility Specialist II in Portland. The position helps Maine residents access programs including MaineCare, SNAP, and TANF. It involves evaluating information, applying program standards, and making accurate, often complex eligibility decisions for multiple programs, while providing customer service to people navigating significant life situations. The work is fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven, with an emphasis on problem solving and teamwork. Partial telework may be available with management approval. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions. The Office for Family Independence connects Maine people and families to services and programs that support health, safety, resilience, and opportunity. DHHS provides health and social services to approximately a third of Maine’s population and also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and oversees health care providers.
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; alternatively, a bachelor's degree in Social Services, Business Administration, or another related field.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate information and apply program standards to make accurate, complex eligibility decisions, often for multiple programs at the same time.
- Perform intermediate mathematical calculations as part of eligibility determinations.
- Use multiple technology systems to enter, review, and verify eligibility-related data and documentation.
- Explain program rules, requirements, and decisions to applicants and recipients in writing, by phone, and in person.
- Review and process information received electronically or by mail to ensure completeness and compliance.
- Connect individuals with additional programs and services that may support their health and well-being.
- Conduct outreach to provide program information, accept applications, and determine eligibility.
- Gather evidence, develop reports, and represent the Department at administrative hearings.
- Work with people from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs, helping them navigate complex systems.
Benefits
- 13 paid holidays and more than three weeks of vacation leave annually, with vacation accrual increasing with years of service.
- Personal leave for overtime-exempt employees.
- 12 days of sick leave per year.
- The State pays 85%–95% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage is also available.
- A health insurance premium credit that decreases employee-only premiums by 5% for eligible participants.
- The State pays 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
- The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of employee pay toward Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
- Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
- Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
- Living Resources employee assistance 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 for State employees.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
