BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST (ELIGIBILITY INTERVIEWER)

State of Arizona; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Arizona's Department of Economic Security seeks an Eligibility Interviewer at the Surprise Field Office to determine eligibility for Nutrition, Medical, and Cash assistance. This in-person on-site position involves customer service, data entry, and interviewing clients in a fast-paced setting.

The role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with a team. Salary is hourly with full benefits.

Qualifications

• Customer service experience or ability to work with diverse clients.
• Ability to learn and use multiple computer systems and screens.
• Strong written and verbal communication in person and by phone.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in-person and by phone in a fast-paced office.
• Attend classroom training with on-the-job training.
• Provide excellent customer service to individuals and families.
• Collect and gather information to determine eligibility for Medical, Nutrition, and Cash assistance.
• Complete application and interview processes by entering data on computer screens.
• Adhere to agency standards in a high-volume field office.

Skills

Customer service

Computer skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Data entry

Math skills

Decision making

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

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.

BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST (ELIGIBILITY INTERVIEWER)

Job Location:

Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME)
Family Assistance Administration (FAA)
Surprise Field Office
11526 West Bell Road, Surprise, Arizona 85378

Posting Details:

Salary: $18.6159/Hourly ($38,721.07 Annually)

Grade: 18

Closing Date: October 18, 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 ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team! If you enjoy helping people and being recognized for your efforts, a customer service career 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, and can work independently in a fast-paced environment while providing quality interaction and communication with our clients. This is an in person on site position.

Job Duties:

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

• You will be working in a fast-paced office environment, assisting clients in-person and/or by telephone.
  
• 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 forMedical Assistance, Nutrition Assistance, and CashAssistance.
• 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.
  

Abilities to:

• Evaluate and make appropriate decisions (or determinations).
  
• Access, maintain, review and interpret information.
  
• Work independently as well as interacting 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 and sick time
  
• Paid Parental 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 Meracle Cothron 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 Meracle Cothron at [phone] or [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.