ELIGIBILITY COUNSELOR 1* - 12162025-73640

State of Tennessee

Tennessee

On-site

USD 38,248 - 48,492

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Don’t send a generic resume — generate a resume and cover letter tailored to this exact role.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

A state government agency is seeking an Eligibility Counselor 1 in Morristown, TN. This full-time role involves managing eligibility determinations for SNAP and TANF programs, conducting customer interviews, and providing case management. Successful candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, alongside strong mathematical and communication skills. The position requires a criminal background check and has a mandatory training period. Competitive salary offered with the scope for career advancement.

Qualifications

Complete a criminal history disclosure form and agree to release all records.
Two years of full-time para-professional experience may satisfy the requirement.
Experience as an Eligibility Assistant or state contractor is relevant.

Responsibilities

Manage initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for SNAP and TANF.
Conduct probing interviews with customers by phone or in person.
Provide case management for initial eligibility and customer changes.
Calculate monthly income and expenses to ensure accurate budgeting.
Document verifications and other case-related activity using electronic systems.
Assist customers with the application process and appointments.

Skills

Mathematics

Active Learning and Listening

Complex Problem Solving

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience

Tools

General Office Equipment

Computer/Laptop/Tablet

Multifunctional Printer

Calculator

Job description

Eligibility Counselor 1* – 12162025-73640

Join the State of Tennessee in Morristown, TN to apply for the Eligibility Counselor 1* role. This full‑time position is located in the Department of Human Services, Adult and Family Services Division, Hamblen County.

Opening Date: 12/16/2025 12:00 AM Central Time
Closing Date: 01/05/2026 11:59 PM Central Time
Salary: $3,229.00 – $4,041.00 monthly ($38,748.00 – $48,492.00 annually)

Location: Morristown, TN

Job Type: Full‑time

Position Details: This on‑site role requires a criminal background check. Applicants must complete a criminal history disclosure form, agree to release records, and supply a fingerprint sample as prescribed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

For more information, see the full job posting at https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/HRC0016934_EC1_Hamblen_1526.pdf.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience.
Substitution of experience for education: qualifying full‑time professional eligibility determination experience, or a combination of para‑professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or state contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services, may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis.
Two years of full‑time para‑professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or state contractor may also satisfy the requirement.
Applicants must: complete a criminal history disclosure form; agree to release all records of criminal history; supply a fingerprint sample.

Overview

This classification learns to perform eligibility determination work of average difficulty. Employees are customer‑facing, interview customers, and determine eligibility for SNAP and TANF programs. The role is at the learning level under direct supervision and differs from the Eligibility Counselor 2 class in that the latter functions at the working level.

After a mandatory one‑year training period, an incumbent will be reclassified to Eligibility Counselor 2. Unacceptable or needs‑improvement performance ratings during training may result in demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

Manage a workload of initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for SNAP and TANF programs based on demographic and economic criteria.
Conduct probing interviews with customers by phone or in person.
Provide case management for initial eligibility, ongoing eligibility, and customer changes.
Calculate monthly income and expenses to ensure accurate budgeting.
Document verifications requested/received, benefits and services provided, and other case‑related activity using a computerized case record and/or paper files.
Ensure accurate receipt of entitled benefits by reviewing, verifying, and utilizing data from customers and multiple electronic systems.
Assist customers with the application process and scheduling appointments.
Review and interpret program policy and explain eligibility and ongoing responsibilities to customers.
Assess customer strengths, goals, and activities to aid in self‑sufficiency.
Identify available benefits and services from the Department or external sources and make referrals as appropriate.
Develop and maintain partnerships with vendors and outside organizations to obtain information, promote programs, and identify available services and benefits to support customer needs and promote self‑sufficiency.