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.

This is a temporary position with the State of Arizona, Department of Economic Security, not to exceed 1,500 hours by December 31, 2026. Temporary positions are benefit eligible and receive pay for State observed holidays.

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 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 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 process 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

• Customer service practices.
• Computer navigation of various software applications, including but not limited to 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, 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 interact with others on a team.
• Ability to review and explain eligibility requirements with applicants of diverse backgrounds and guide them to resources as part of the interview process.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• One (1) year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one (1) year of customer service experience.
• A High School Diploma or GED.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function, a valid driver’s license is required.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

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.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Infant at Work Program.
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy.
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities.

Pay

$18.6159 / Hourly

Schedule

Temporary position, not to exceed 1,500 hours by December 31, 2026.