Eligibility Specialist II - TANF

State of Maine•Bangor, ME

7d•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 interacts with people from different backgrounds and in varying emotional states. The role is based in Bangor and allows partial telework with management approval. It is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Requirements

Four-year combination of education, training, and/or progressively responsible experience in a social services setting demonstrating interviewing and data-gathering skills used to support 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 gather sensitive personal information and make timely, accurate eligibility determinations.
Ability to provide customer service and maintain program accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Interview clients and obtain and assess facts, data, supporting information, and documentation for public assistance applications or recertifications.
Evaluate information and apply allowable standards and criteria.
Explain program eligibility requirements, rules, regulations, and individual rights and responsibilities to clients and their representatives.
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, co-workers, and other agencies.
Perform intermediate mathematical calculations.
Maintain confidentiality of applicant and recipient information.
May review eligibility decisions made by others for quality control.

Benefits

13 paid holidays and 3 or more weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
12 days of sick leave per year.
State payment of 85%–95% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; a 5% employee-only premium credit is available for participation in the relevant program.
State payment of 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State retirement contribution 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 as a qualified employer.
Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child; 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 are available to State employees; benefits may vary by collective bargaining agreement and are prorated for less than full-time work.