Eligibility Specialist II - HOPE
About The Position
The limited-period HOPE Eligibility Specialist II assists with administrative and operational functions supporting the development and implementation of the Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE) Program’s work on Maine’s Rural Health Transformation Plan. The program engages and supports student parents who will contribute to the rural healthcare workforce. The position gathers sensitive personal information and makes timely, accurate eligibility determinations in a fast-paced environment with high standards for customer service and program accuracy. Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills are needed to work with people from different backgrounds and in varying emotional states. This position is based in Augusta 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 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.
- 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.
Benefits
- 13 paid holidays and at least three 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 85%–95% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage is also available.
- A 5% health insurance premium credit for participation, subject to program requirements.
- State-paid 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.
- Employee assistance program (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
