Eligibility Benefits Specialist

About the role

HHS, Division of Community Access, Facility and Waiver Eligibility Team, is seeking an Eligibility Benefits Specialist (Income Maintenance Worker 2) to assist vulnerable individuals in applying for or renewing facility or waiver Medicaid benefits. This is a full‑time position located in the nearest full‑time HHS office to the selected candidate, with the possibility of transitioning to a hybrid arrangement after a six‑month training and probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret complex policies and procedures per state and federal regulations.
• Collect and analyze information from customers and third parties to calculate and determine eligibility.
• Communicate effectively via phone, email and in person as needed.
• Meet daily and monthly processing timeframes.
• Prepare written documents and clearly present information both in writing and orally.
• Effectively manage an individual workload while working within a team.
• Maintain high attendance.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational and critical thinking skills.
• Comply with all State of Iowa regulations and DHS Employee Handbook work rules.

Requirements

Sixty semester hours (or equivalent academic units) from an accredited college or university; OR a combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full‑time public contact work experience obtaining, analyzing and/or evaluating data for each year of the required college education (on the basis that thirty semester hours equals one year of work experience); OR employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 18 months of full‑time work at a Clerk Advanced level or above involving public contact experience on a regular basis in a service area.

• Applicants must complete a background check to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

• Critical thinking.
• Policy application experience.
• Strong communication and customer service.
• Professional presence and strong work ethic.
• Solid teamwork and consultation.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participation in IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as the Retirement Investors Club (RIC) and Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Available for