Eligibility Specialist II - HOPE

State of Maine•Augusta, GA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The limited-period HOPE Eligibility Specialist II supports the administrative and operational functions of the Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE) Program as it develops and implements Maine’s Rural Health Transformation Plan. The program works to engage and support student parents who will contribute to Maine’s rural healthcare workforce. The role operates in a fast-paced environment with high standards for customer service and program accuracy, gathers sensitive personal information, and makes timely and accurate eligibility determinations. Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills are important when working with people from varied backgrounds and in different emotional states. The position is with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence, and is based in Augusta. Partial telework is available with management approval. The position is not 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 that demonstrates 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.

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, co-workers, and other agencies.
Perform intermediate mathematical calculations.
Maintain confidentiality of applicant and recipient information.

Benefits

13 paid holidays and more than three weeks of annual vacation leave, with vacation accrual increasing 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.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for participants who meet program requirements.
State-paid 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State contribution equivalent to 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 through the State’s qualified-employer status.
Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child, including non-birthing and adoptive parents.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.