BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST (ELIGIBILITY INTERVIEWER)

Department of Economic Security – Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona. DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona. DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

Job Location: Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) Family Assistance Administration (FAA) Coolidge Field Office, 1155 North Arizona Boulevard, Coolidge, Arizona 85128

Salary: $18.6159 / Hourly
Grade: 18
Closing Date: August 17, 2026

About the role

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. If you enjoy helping people and being recognized for your efforts, a customer service career at DES is the job for you. 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 ideal position for an individual who is highly motivated, has decision-making skills, can work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment, and can provide quality interaction and communication with our clients. This is an in-person, on-site position.

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 to 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.

Requirements

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

Skills

Knowledge in:

• Customer service practices.
• Computer navigation of various software applications, including but not limited to Google Suite or Microsoft.

Skills in:

• Professional written and verbal communication.
• Customer-friendly, empathetic, and patient interaction.
• Computer experience: typing, navigating, and using multiple computer systems on multiple screens while talking to clients by phone.
• Core math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Ability to:

• 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.

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 & Employee Development Opportunities.

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State-sponsored retirement contribution plan, and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.