Eligibility Specialist II

State of Maine • Rockland, ME

56d • $22 - $30 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position allows for partial telework with management approval. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers. The Office for Family Independence (OFI) connects Maine people and families to services and programs that foster health, safety, resilience, and opportunity including MaineCare (Medicaid), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other education and career programs. As an Eligibility Specialist II, you’ll play a vital role in connecting Maine residents to key programs including MaineCare—the state’s largest health insurance program serving lower-income adults, children, older adults, and people with disabilities; SNAP or food benefits to help low-income people and families supplement their grocery budgets; and TANF or cash assistance to help families while they work towards becoming self-sufficient. In this position, you’ll help people navigate important life situations while ensuring accuracy in determining eligibility. The work is fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven with a strong focus on customer service, problem solving, and teamwork.

Requirements

• A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or progressively responsible experience a social services setting which demonstrates interviewing and data gathering skills as needed to form basis for judgments in eligibility determinations, claims resolutions, and/or customer service requests
• A Bachelors Degree in Social Services, Business Administration, or other related field

Responsibilities

• Evaluate information and apply program standards to accurately determine complex eligibility decisions, often for multiple programs at the same time. This includes performing intermediate mathematical calculations.
• Use multiple technology systems to enter, review, and verify eligibility-related data and documentation.
• Clearly explain program rules, requirements, and decisions to applicants and recipients—in writing, over the phone, and in-person.
• Reviews 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.
• Engage in outreach efforts to provide program information, accept applications, and determine eligibility.
• Gather evidence, develop reports, and represent the Department at administrative hearings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential as you’ll work with people from diverse backgrounds, with varying needs, and help them navigate complex systems during moments that matter.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• 12 days of sick leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for all employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents.
• Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level