Eligibility and Benefit Specialist

State of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Coverage

Paid Time Off (96–? hours/year varies)

IPERS retirement plans

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance & long-term disability

Employee assistance program

Employee discounts

Job summary

The State of Iowa is seeking up to 15 Eligibility and Benefit Specialists (Income Maintenance Worker 2) to join the Medicaid Eligibility Team. You will work to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF, process applications, and support customers with program rules and requirements.

This full-time role starts in January, with hours Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on-site at the nearest HHS office, with overtime as needed; a hybrid option may become available

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for State and Federal assistance programs.
• Process applications and recertifications within specific time frames.
• Communicate with applicants over the phone and explain program rules, responsibilities, and requirements.
• Document case actions clearly and accurately.
• Manage an assigned caseload with duties that include reviewing documents, processing changes in eligibility, participating in the appeals process, 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.

Skills

Customer service

Policy analysis

Effective communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Computer navigation

Mathematical skills

Education

Sixty semester hours (or equivalent)

Job description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking up to 15 Eligibility and Benefit Specialists (Job Classification: Income Maintenance Worker 2) to join our dedicated Medicaid Eligibility 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). You’ll work with customers, assess information to approve benefits, and receive dedicated training to understand how we serve Iowans.

Hours, Location, and Pay

• This is a full-time position with a tentative January start date working Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with overtime as needed, paid at time and a half.
• Work from the nearest full-time HHS office to your residence
• After a six-month training and probationary period, the position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement
• The starting annual pay of $48,630.40 is non-negotiable for new state employees.
• New employees are eligible for a pay increase after completing the 6-month probationary period and again 12 months after.
• December graduates are eligible and welcome to apply.

Core Essential Functions

• Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for State and Federal assistance programs administered by HHS.
• Process applications and recertifications within specific time frames.
• Communicate with applicants over the phone and explain program rules, responsibilities, and requirements.
• Document case actions clearly and accurately.
• Manage an assigned caseload with duties that include reviewing documents, processing changes in eligibility, participating in the appeals process, 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.

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.

The ability to communicate in another language in addition to English is a plus. If you have those skills, please note in the application any additional languages in which you are proficient.

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 through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs:Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.
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Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

All work performed on behalf of Iowa Health and Human Services must occur in the State of Iowa.

Sixty semester hours (or equivalent academic units) from an accredited college or university;

OR a combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time public contact work experience obtaining, analyzing and/or evaluating data for each year of the required college education (on the basis that thirty semester hours is equal to one year of work experience);

OR employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 18 months of full-time work at a Clerk Advanced level or above involving public contact experience on a regular basis in a service area.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.