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.

About the role

If you enjoy helping people and being recognized for your efforts, a customer service career at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (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, and can work independently in a fast-paced environment while providing quality interaction and communication with our clients. This is an on-site, in-office position located at 2400 Airway Avenue, Suite B, Kingman, Arizona 86409.

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.
• 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.
• A High School Diploma or GED.
• Customer service practices and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• 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).
• Ability to access, maintain, review, and interpret information.
• Ability to work independently as well as interacting with others on a team.

Skills

• Customer-friendly, empathetic, and patient.
• Computer navigation of various software applications, including but not limited to Google Suite or Microsoft.

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 and sick time.
• Paid Parental Leave – up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for 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.

Pay

$18.6159 per hour.

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.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Angelina Clerry at 928-606-3823 or AngelinaClerry@azdes.gov.