Eligibility Worker

About the Role

The Eligibility Worker performs a variety of tasks related to determining client eligibility for income maintenance programs and services. Responsibilities include establishing initial and ongoing eligibility for multiple programs, communicating program requirements, assisting participants in maintaining eligibility, supporting independence and self-sufficiency, providing education and enrollment assistance for managed health care, and making referrals to community resources.

Responsibilities

• Conduct effective interviews to assess and determine eligibility for emergency, cash, food, child care, health care, and county burial programs.
• Arrange and complete informative face-to-face and/or phone interviews to evaluate individual needs.
• Evaluate client circumstances through personal interviews and determine appropriate case actions.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding program regulations, explaining complex eligibility criteria and procedures.
• Examine applications, answer questions, and explain program aspects while ensuring clients understand Data Privacy rights and responsibilities.
• Assess circumstances and complete referrals for additional services.
• Accurately determine eligibility for Public Assistance programs and advise clients on beneficial program options.
• Review and examine monthly eligibility reports for changes and complete redeterminations on all cases.
• Monitor cases for changes affecting income, assets, and household composition, such as Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Maintain and apply county, state, and federal regulations, staying updated on program changes.
• Respond to agency inquiries via telephone, email, or written correspondence.
• Interview clients in person to address issues concerning continued eligibility.
• Initiate client referrals to community resources as appropriate.
• Initiate fraud referrals, compile evidence, and testify in court as requested.
• Assess disqualification periods and establish overpayments with correct repayment procedures.
• Verify and transfer case files when clients move to another county to ensure uninterrupted service.
• Obtain and update necessary verifications for cases transferred from other counties.
• Service cases for which other counties are financially responsible.
• Identify and resolve computer-related problems requiring county or state intervention.
• Prepare and file appeals, complete appeal summaries, and attend appeal hearings.
• Participate in training for professional and personal growth, implementing policy updates and program changes.
• Confer with other eligibility workers and inform supervisors about specific cases as needed.
• Represent the agency professionally when dealing with clients and other agencies.
• Accept and process applications for county burials within county policy.
• Engage in public speaking for community education programs.
• Review peer work to ensure clients receive entitled benefits and maintain high-quality standards.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Two years of additional advanced education and four years of previous work experience in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain such license with proof of insurance.

Skills

• Knowledge and skills in interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of county, state, and federal policies, programs, procedures, and community resources.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex eligibility criteria.
• Mathematical skills for eligibility determination.
• Ability to prioritize casework and organize job activities.
• Knowledge of policy manuals and ability to interpret complex material from multiple program areas.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate, systematic records.
• Decision-making skills concerning client needs and eligibility with objectivity, sensitivity, and tact.
• Knowledge of human behavior and ability to maintain good working relationships with clients, coworkers, and the public.
• Ability to diffuse emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to learn and apply new and changing policies and programs.
• Ability to apply program guidelines to a variety of situations.
• Troubleshooting skills to distinguish system problems from human error in computer systems.
• Ability to work under stress and meet tight deadlines.
• Extensive attention to detail.
• Respect for each person’s dignity, culture, and history, including knowledge of migrant eligibility and resources.
• Ability to promote positive teamwork and maintain an environment conducive to learning, growth, and empowerment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and life insurance.
• Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation.

Pay

The 2026 salary range for this position is $26.51 to $39.78 per hour, depending on experience. Relevant previous experience will be taken into consideration. Our organization values pay equity, and hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical.

Schedule

This is a full-time position with regular work hours from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment.
• Regular exposure to individuals who may lack hygiene, are ill, or carry communicable diseases.
• Exposure to emotionally charged or volatile individuals requiring de-escalation.
• Some travel required for training, meetings, and conferences.

Physical Requirements

• Required to sit at a desk for extended periods, performing computer work or talking on the phone.
• Hear and speak effectively for in-person and phone communication.
• Visual acuity to evaluate clients, read computer screens and printed documents, and drive a motor vehicle.
• Manual dexterity for typing, using a keyboard and mouse, and handwriting.
• Perform manual tasks such as searching through documents, compiling material, and reaching for supplies.
• Ability to stand, kneel, or finger files in cabinets.
• Grasp documents and perform repetitive motions like typing and sorting.
• Ability to lift and carry files and boxes weighing up to 20 pounds.