Eligibility and Benefit Specialist

Posting number: 27-00251

Department: 400 Health & Human Services - Community Access Eligibility

Division: Health and Human Services - Community Access Eligibility

Job classification: Income Maintenance Worker 2

Posting type: Open

Categories: Human Services

Summary

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Community Access, Bureau of Eligibility Determinations is seeking up to 10 Eligibility and Benefit Specialists (Job Classification: Income Maintenance Worker 2) to join our team!

HHS has hundreds of team members across the state and is in search of highly motivated and compassionate individuals interested in a rewarding career assisting those in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services through programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) and Temporary assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This position is part of the Eligibility Determinations Customer Service Center (EDCSC). This position will work with customers, process changes, assess information to approve benefits, and receive dedicated training to understand how we serve Iowans. 

This is a full-time opportunity, Monday – Friday with a work schedule of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  This position may be eligible to become a hybrid position offering the opportunity to work from home and in the office at the nearest full-time HHS office to your residence after a 6-month training and probationary period. However, the ability to work full-time in the assigned office at any time is required. 

Please note the beginning rate of pay, $48,630.40 annually, is non-negotiable.

State employees have access to promotional opportunities within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as well as across other state agencies, allowing them to expand their skills, explore new career paths, and advance within state government.

Core Essential Functions:

• Determine eligibility for State and Federal assistance programs administered by HHS.
• Process case actions within specific time frames.
• Interview applicants and clients telephonically.
• Communicate program rules and responsibilities.
• Document case actions.
• Manage assigned duties that include reviewing documents, processing changes in eligibility, making referrals to other services, and completing corrective actions when necessary.
• Complete other duties as assigned including participation in committees, work groups, public forums, and trainings. 
• Resolve concerns and issues efficiently. 

The ideal candidate will be able to:

• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Collect, analyze and interpret complex policies, procedures and information from customers or 3rd parties.
• Communicate effectively in person, via phone, and in writing. 
• Excel at meeting processing timeframes and managing an individual workload while working within a team.
• Prepare and present documents verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and strong attention to details.  
• Possess strong computer navigation and math skills.  

Note: This position will start at the beginning of the salary range.  Employees are eligible to receive a pay increase after 6 months and then annually while remaining within salary range stated above.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• 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: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support th