Eligibility and Benefit Specialist

State of Iowa; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a forward-thinking department focused on providing essential services to those in need. This full-time position offers a rewarding opportunity to assist individuals with food, medical care, and cash assistance through various programs. You'll receive comprehensive training while working in a hybrid environment, balancing office duties with remote work. Enjoy a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and professional growth. If you're motivated and compassionate, this is the perfect chance to make a significant impact in your community.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Discount Programs

Qualifications

• Candidates should have strong customer service and analytical skills.
• Education or experience in public contact work is required.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for State and Federal assistance programs.
• Process applications and manage an assigned caseload effectively.

Skills

Customer Service

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Computer Navigation

Math Skills

Education

Sixty semester hours from an accredited college

Combination of education and experience

Job description

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

HHS has hundreds of team members across the state and is in search of 10 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.

This is a full-time opportunity, Monday – Friday with a work schedule of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. This position is a hybrid position offering the opportunity to work from home and in the office at the nearest full-time HHS office to your residence. Please note the beginning rate of pay $46,737.60 annually is non-negotiable.

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.
• Interview applicants and clients telephonically.
• Communicate program rules and responsibilities.
• Document case actions.
• 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 3^rd 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 detail.
• 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).

Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

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.