BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST (ELIGIBILITY INTERVIEWER)

State of Arizona; Coolidge (AZ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Economic Security (DES) invites applications for the Benefits and Eligibility Specialist (Eligibility Interviewer) position in the Coolidge Field Office, Arizona. This in-person role focuses on determining eligibility for Nutrition, Medical, and Cash Assistance while delivering exceptional customer service to clients.

Training is provided, and the work is conducted 100% in-office. Applicants should be capable of independent work, multitasking in a fast-paced environment, and

Qualifications

• One year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one year of customer service.
• High School Diploma or GED is required.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for Nutrition, Medical, and Cash Assistance through in-person interviews.
• Collect information and complete application and interview processes using multiple screens.
• Provide excellent customer service in a high-volume office setting.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Computer skills

Problem solving

Math skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST
(ELIGIBILITY INTERVIEWER)

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.
DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.
DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

Job Location

Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME)
Family Assistance Administration (FAA)
Coolidge Field Office
1155 N. Arizona Blvd., Coolidge, Arizona 85128

Posting Details

Salary: $18.6159 Hourly
Grade: 18
Closing Date: November 1, 2026

Job Summary

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov or click on the link here to view the ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

If you enjoy helping people and being recognized for your efforts, an Eligibility Interviewer at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is the job for you.

As an Eligibility Interviewer, you will determine eligibility for Arizonans in need of Nutrition Assistance, Medical Assistance, and/or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. This is an ideal position for an individual who is highly motivated, has decision-making skills, can work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment, and can provide quality interaction and communication with our clients. This position is 100% in an office setting.

Job Duties

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• You will be working in a field office environment, assisting individuals and families face to face in person.
• You will be attending paid classroom training with on the job training (learning by doing).
• Provide excellent customer service in person to individuals and families facing challenging and personal situations.
• Collect and gather information to conduct interviews to make eligibility determinations for Medical Assistance, Nutrition Assistance, and Cash Assistance.
• While talking to the individuals and families in person, you will complete the application process and interview process, by entering data on a computer and accessing multiple screens.
• Adhere to agency standards in a high-volume field office, measured by metrics, attendance, service levels, accuracy, and timeliness

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge in:

• Customer service practices.
• Computer navigation of various software applications, including but not limited to Google Suite or Microsoft.

Skills in:

• Professional written and verbal communication.
• Customer friendly, empathetic, and patient.
• Computer experience; typing, navigating, and using multiple computer systems on multiple screens while talking to the client by phone.
• Core math skills, including but not limited to, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Independent problem solving analyzing, and decision-making skills for complex issues related to the field office.

Abilities to:

• Evaluate and make appropriate decisions (or determinations).
• Access, maintain, review, and interpret information.
• Work independently as well as interact with others on a team.
• Review and explain eligibility requirements with applicants of diverse backgrounds and guide them to resources as part of the interview process.

Selective Preference(s)

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• One (1) year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one (1) year of customer service experience.
• A High School Diploma or GED

Pre-Employment Requirements

• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
• Successfully pass background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the Agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify)

Benefits

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation time and sick time
• Paid Parantal leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly placed foster/adopted child
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition REimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

Learn more about the Paid Parental leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by the State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

Retirement

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments. On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

Contact Us

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Norma Pina at 480-952-7560 or at [e-mail].

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format, by contacting Norma Pina at 480-952-7560 or at [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.