Eligibility Determination Specialist

Tennessee Department of Human Services; Tennessee; On-site; USD 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessee Department of Human Services seeks an Eligibility Counselor 1 to determine eligibility for SNAP and TANF benefits. You will conduct intensive interviews, review information from customers and partner agencies, and administer benefits in a confidential manner.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree with possible substitution by relevant experience; two years of para-professional eligibility work may also qualify. This role supports Families First/TANF programs in Tennessee.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience substitution possible for education with relevant eligibility determination work.
• Two years of para-professional eligibility work may substitute for education.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for SNAP/TANF by interviewing customers and reviewing information.
• Explain program requirements and verification needs; assist with benefits questions.
• Administer benefits and input data into automated systems.
• Maintain confidentiality of customer data.

Skills

Computer programs

Active listening

Organization

multitasking

Mathematical skills

Regulatory procedures

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

This vacancy is within the Division of Family Assistance. This position is responsible for determining eligibility for Tennessee’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) which provides nutritional assistance benefits to Tennessee residents. This position also supports the Families First Program also known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Responsibilities

• Determines eligibility/re-eligibility for these programs by independently conducting intensive interviews; obtains and reviews information from customers, partner agencies and departmental information systems.
• Understands policies and procedures necessary to interview customers for benefits for these programs.
• Administers benefits for SNAP/TANF programs.
• Inputs and receives data on multiple automated systems and maintains confidentiality of automated customer data.
• Explain program requirements, application procedures, and verification needs, as well as answer all questions regarding current benefits or other available programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time professional eligibility determination experience and/or a combination of para-professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• OR
• Two years of full-time para-professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services.

Preferred Skills

• Social or human service field experience preferred.
• Ability to grasp and utilize various computer programs.
• Skilled in active listening, learning, being organized and adaptable.
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a busy office with numerous interruptions.
• Proficient mathematical skills, typing and analyze complex situations. In a case-by-case basis.
• Demonstrate ability to work with technical regulations and procedures.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and departmental goals.

Target Range

The target range for the Eligibility Counselor 1 position is $39,132 - $48,972. The directly related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the selected candidate will determine the actual salary offer.