BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST (ELIGIBILITY INTERVIEWER)

Department of Economic Security – Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility, Family Assistance Administration, Payson Field Office (218 East Highway 260, Payson, Arizona 85541).

About the role

As an Eligibility Interviewer, you will determine eligibility for Arizonans in need of Nutrition Assistance, Medical Assistance, and/or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. This is an in-person, on-site position ideal for a highly motivated individual with decision-making skills who can work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment while providing quality interaction and communication with clients.

Responsibilities

• Work in a fast-paced office environment, assisting clients in-person and/or by telephone.
• Attend paid classroom training with on-the-job training (learning by doing).
• Provide excellent customer service in-person and by phone to individuals and families facing challenging and personal situations.
• Collect and gather information to conduct interviews and make eligibility determinations for Medical Assistance, Nutrition Assistance, and Cash Assistance.
• Complete the application and interview process by entering data on a computer and accessing multiple screens while talking to individuals and families by phone.
• Adhere to agency standards measured by metrics, attendance, service levels, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Evaluate and make appropriate decisions (or determinations).
• Access, maintain, review, and interpret information.
• Work independently as well as interact with others on a team.
• Review and explain eligibility requirements with applicants of diverse backgrounds and guide them to resources as part of the interview process.

Requirements

• One (1) year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one (1) year of customer service experience.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• If driving is required as an essential function, a valid driver’s license and successful completion of background/reference checks are required.
• All newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Skills

• Customer service practices.
• Computer navigation of various software applications (e.g., Google Suite or Microsoft).
• Professional written and verbal communication.
• Customer-friendly, empathetic, and patient demeanor.
• Computer experience: typing, navigating, and using multiple computer systems on multiple screens while talking to clients by phone.
• Core math skills: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Pay

$18.6159 per hour.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid vacation time and sick time.
• Paid Parental leave: up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Tuition reimbursement stipend opportunities.
• Infant at Work Program.
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy.
• Career advancement and employee development opportunities.

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides lifelong income upon retirement. Employees may also participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program for tax-deferred retirement investments.