BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST (ELIGIBILTY INTERVIEWER)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Wellness plans

Rideshare subsidy

Job summary

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is seeking a Benefits and Eligibility Specialist to determine eligibility for Nutrition, Medical, and Cash Assistance. This on-site role in Peoria, AZ requires strong customer service and data entry skills.

You will interview clients, collect information, and explain eligibility requirements with empathy via phone and in person. The position includes paid training, daily collaboration with a support team, and opportunities for advancement within the

Qualifications

• Experience in client-facing roles or call centers is a plus.
• Proficient in data collection, documentation and basic math.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for Nutrition, Medical and Cash Assistance.
• Interviews and information gathering via phone and in person as needed.
• Enter data into systems and explain eligibility requirements to applicants.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Computer literacy

Data entry

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 (ELIGIBILTY INTERVIEWER)

Job Location

DIVISION OF BENEFITS AND MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY (DBME) Family Assistance Administration (FAA) Change Specialty Region (FAA Changes Team) 8990 West Peoria Avenue, Peoria, Arizona 85345

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

Grade: 18

Closing Date: November 15, 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 that are committed to service, community, and teamwork.

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 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 individuals and families by phone.
• You will be attending paid classroom training with on the job training (learning by doing).
• Provide excellent customer service by phone 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 by phone, 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 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:

• Strong 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.

Ability 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 checks; 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 regarding this career opportunity, please contact Alex Rivera at 480-910-0533 or [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 Alex Rivera at 480-910-0533 or by email at [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.