ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION SPECIALIST - 08252026 - 80209

State of Tennessee

Murfreesboro (TN)

On-site

USD 39,000 - 48,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

State of Tennessee in Murfreesboro seeks an entry-level Eligibility Determination trainee to learn interviewing customers and determining SNAP/TANF eligibility under supervision.

The role focuses on customer service, data entry, and coordination with the Department of Human Services to ensure accurate benefits and compliance, with a mandatory one-year training path towards certified eligibility work.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience.
Substitution of education with qualifying professional eligibility or para‑professional experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
Two years of full‑time para‑professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or state contractor.
Criminal history disclosure form and fingerprinting may be required.

Responsibilities

Learns to manage a workload of initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for SNAP and TANF programs.
Learns to provide case management for eligibility and changes to assess continued eligibility.
Learns to calculate monthly income and expenses and document verification and services.

Skills

Math

Active Learning and Listening

Complex Problem Solving

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Experience substitution for education

Tools

General Office Equipment

Computer/Laptop/Tablet

Multifunctional Printer

Calculator

Job description

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time 08/25/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time 08/25/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time 09/07/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly) $3,229.00 - $4,041.00

Salary (Annually) $38,748.00 - $48,492.00

Job Type Full-Time

City, State Location Murfreesboro, TN

Department Human Services

LOCATION OF (3) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, RUTHERFORD COUNTY

For More Information, Visit The Link Below

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/HRC0021791_EC1_Rutherford_9726.pdf

This is an on-site position

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree.

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.

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.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:

Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority;
Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority;
Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records clerk.

Overview

This classification learns to perform eligibility determination work of average difficulty. An employee in this class is customer facing and learns to interview customers and determine eligibility for SNAP and TANF programs. This classification performs responsibilities at the learning level under direct supervision. This classification differs from the Eligibility Counselor 2 in that an incumbent of the latter functions at the working level.

An applicant appointed to this classification will be reclassified to an Eligibility Counselor 2 after successful completion of a mandatory one‑year training period; 'unacceptable' or 'needs improvement' performance ratings during the training period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

Learns to manage a workload of initial and on‑going eligibility determinations for SNAP and TANF programs based on specific demographic and economic criteria in accordance with Federal and State requirements through independently conducting probing interviews with customers by phone or in person.
Learns to provide case management for initial SNAP and TANF eligibility, ongoing eligibility, and customer changes to assess impact on continued eligibility through direct customer engagement via phone or in person.
Learns to calculate monthly income and expenses to ensure accurate budgeting. Documents information regarding verifications requested/received, benefits and services provided, and other case‑related activity using a computerized case record and/or paper case files.
Learns to ensure accurate receipt of entitled benefits by reviewing, verifying and utilizing data provided by customers and multiple electronic systems while maintaining confidentiality.
Learns to assist customers with the application process and scheduling appointments.
Learns to review and interprets program policy and explains eligibility and ongoing responsibilities for programs/services to ensure customer understanding.
Learns to assess customer's strengths and considers their goals, desired outcomes, work activities, and supportive services to aid in self‑sufficiency. Identifies benefits and services that may be available to customers within the Department or from external sources and makes referrals as appropriate.
Learns to develop and maintains partnerships with vendors and outside organizations to obtain information, promote programs and identify available services and benefits to effectively meet customer needs and promote self‑sufficiency.

Competencies (KSA's)