Eligibility Specialist I - Salt Lake City

Hybrid position based in Salt Lake City, UT.

About the role

The Department of Workforce Services (DWS) is seeking skilled and motivated individuals for Eligibility Specialist I positions within the Eligibility Services Division. This role plays a pivotal part in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of benefits for public assistance programs by determining eligibility for customers applying for or participating in programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, General Assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, or Child Care.

Watch this brief video for a preview of the Eligibility Specialist responsibilities and insights about the role.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility of customers for public assistance programs through interactive interviewing and fact gathering.
• Accurately apply complex policies and procedures to assess initial and/or continuing eligibility.
• Assist customers seeking financial and supportive services by identifying and assessing service needs through daily processing of individual and team caseloads.
• Ensure timely delivery of services in compliance with federal regulations.
• Exercise good judgment in working with clients who need assistance utilizing community, department, or government resources.
• Answer phone calls from customers completing phone interviews, inquiring about case status, or requesting information on available programs/benefits.

Requirements

• Four years of work experience determining eligibility for unemployment, veteran benefits, loans, financial assistance, social service programs, or similar work; or an associate’s degree with two years of work experience; or a bachelor’s degree with one year of work experience.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to interact with customers and co-workers from diverse backgrounds.
• Analytical problem-solving experience to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Fluency in English; bilingual candidates fluent in Spanish are preferred.
• Preference may be given to applicants who physically reside outside the Wasatch Front, in recognition of Governor Cox's Executive Order on rural Utah hiring.
• Must successfully pass a criminal history background check.
• State of Utah employees must reside in Utah.

Training

• Successful applicants must complete two weeks of in-person training at the Salt Lake City DWS office. Travel arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the employee.
• The remaining six weeks of training will be conducted in a DWS office within 50 miles of your home, contingent on space availability.
• After six months, the position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule (2 days in the office, 3 days remote) with additional in-office attendance required for team meetings and mandatory training. Approval is based on performance and at the discretion of your supervisor and manager.

Pay

$20.05 per hour.

Benefits

• Employer-subsidized medical, vision, and dental plans.
• Employer-funded HSA options for qualifying medical plans.
• Generous pension/401(k) contributions and match.
• Robust paid time off, including 12 paid holidays.
• Paid postpartum, parental, foster, and adoption leave.
• Employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking at most locations.
• Job stability within a well-established organization.
• Opportunities for career growth and leadership development.
• Supportive work environment that values cooperation and mutual support.

Find more comprehensive benefits information here and calculate your potential total compensation here.