Eligibility Specialist

Ellsworth , Maine , United States | Community & Social Services | Full-time

Apply by: Dec. 4, 2024

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)Opening Date:November 19, 2024Closing Date:December 4, 2024Job Class Code:5073

Grade: 19 (Professional & Technical Services)

Salary:$22.63-$27.49 per hour*

*New Employees to the State of Maine in this classification begin at Step 4 of the pay scale at $22.63 per hour.

Position Number: 02022-7248

Location:Ellsworth

Core Responsibilities:

The position of Eligibility Specialist determines initial and continued eligibility for public assistance programs. The position may also perform quality control work by reviewing eligibility decisions made by others. Work is done in a fast-paced environment that has high standards for customer service and program accuracy. The position gathers sensitive and personal information to make timely and accurate eligibility determinations. Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are necessary as the Eligibility Specialist interacts with people from different walks of life and/or in various emotional states. Much of the work is done in a call center atmosphere.

Typical Duties:

• Interview clients, obtains and assesses all necessary facts, data, supporting information, and documentation pertaining to the application or recertification for public assistance.

• Evaluate information and applies allowable standards and criteria.

• Explain program eligibility requirements, rules, regulations and individual rights and responsibilities to clients.

• Reviews and analyzes information for accuracy; identifies inconsistencies; requests necessary documentation; verifies and validates data.

• Answers inquiries and refers clients to various programs.

• Identifies potential benefit overpayments, assesses cause for overpayment and makes referrals for recovery of benefits.

• Identifies potential fraud and refers to the Fraud Investigation Recovery Unit.

• Accurately enters data into an automated system and ensures accurate eligibility results.

• Communicate verbally and in writing with clients, co-workers and other agencies.

• Perform intermediate mathematical calculations.

• Maintain confidentiality of all applicant and recipient information.

Minimum Qualifications:

To qualify, you must have a four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or progressively responsible experience in a social services setting which demonstrates interviewing and data gathering skills as needed to form basis for judgments in eligibility determinations, claims resolutions, and/or customer service requests – OR – a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services, Business Administration or other related field.

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Agency information:

TheDepartment of Health and Human Services (https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/) (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The Office for Family Independence is responsible for administration of eligibility determination for a number of programs, including MaineCare, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Supplement, Fraud and Recovery, and Child Support.

Application Information:

For additional information about this position please contact Marcus Hatch at (207) 890-6810 or by email at Marcus.Hatch@Maine.gov

To apply, please upload a resume, cover letter, and transcript (transcript needed only if education is used to meet the minimum qualifications).

Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.L.Harman@Maine.gov

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/workplace-posters) .

  State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

  Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.