Eligibility Operations Worker - Hastings

State of Nebraska; Hastings (NE); On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

State of Nebraska’s Health & Human Services agency in Hastings seeks an Eligibility Operations Worker to serve as the first contact for customers applying for DHHS benefits. You will gather information, review applications, and explain available programs while learning DHHS policies and processes.

The role includes structured training, progression in eligibility determination, and a supportive team environment in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: 24 semester hours of post high school education in behavioral sciences, public/business administration, social sciences, education or closely related field OR experience in customer service or eligibility-related work.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience using computers/technology across multiple systems, accurate data entry, learning new software, and experience in human services or case management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an initial point of contact for customers via phone or in person.
• Answer questions about programs, services, eligibility requirements.
• Complete phone applications and gather necessary information.
• Review applications and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Interview customers to obtain/verify information for eligibility.
• Enter and maintain accurate customer data in DHHS systems.
• Explain program benefits, rights, responsibilities, and next steps in eligibility.
• Process reported changes and other case information timely and accurately.
• Maintain clear documentation of customer contacts and case activity.
• Participate in required training and apply program policy and procedures.
• Provide professional customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Customer service

Eligibility determination

Data entry

Communication skills

Education

Post high school education (24 semester hours) in behavioral sciences or related field

Job description

Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location: Hastings, NE

Hiring Rate: $21.328

Job Posting: JR2026-00030013

Eligibility Operations Worker - Hastings (Evergreen) (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 10-29-2026

Job Description

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is looking for individuals who are customer-focused, adaptable, and interested in helping Nebraskans access services and supports through the Office of Economic Assistance (OEA). As an Eligibility Operations Worker you will serve as an initial point of contact for individuals and families seeking assistance through DHHS. This is the entry-level classification within the OEA Eligibility Operations Worker career series and provides the training and experience needed to build a career in eligibility services. In this role, you will work directly with customers to answer questions, gather and review information, complete applications, explain available programs and services, and determine when additional assistance is needed. You will learn to navigate DHHS systems, policies, and processes while providing timely and accurate service to customers. DHHS provides structured classroom and on-the-job training to prepare you for the work. As you complete training, you will begin applying program policy and determining eligibility for assigned OEA programs with increasing independence.

Examples of Work

• Serve as an initial point of contact for customers contacting OEA by phone or in person.
• Answer questions about DHHS programs, services, application processes, and eligibility requirements.
• Complete phone applications and gather information needed to evaluate customer needs.
• Review applications, referrals, and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Interview customers to obtain and verify information needed to determine eligibility.
• Enter and maintain accurate customer information within DHHS systems.
• Explain program benefits, customer rights and responsibilities, and next steps in the eligibility process.
• Process reported changes and other case information timely and accurately.
• Maintain clear documentation of customer contacts and case activity.
• Participate in required training and demonstrate the ability to apply program policy and procedures.
• Provide professional and respectful customer service while working in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: 24 semester hours of post high school education in behavioral sciences, public/business administration, social sciences, education or closely related field OR experience in customer service, determining eligibility for public assistance, examining/processing financial loan applications, medical or unemployment insurance or rehabilitation claims, unemployment services, OR a combination of education and experience in any of the above areas.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience using computers and technology to complete daily work, including navigating multiple systems or applications, entering and reviewing information accurately, and learning new technology or software. Experience in the field of human services, or case management, or determining eligibility for financial assistance programs.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans.

Contact [e-mail] for additional support. Check back on your candidate profile to see the status of your submitted applications, as well as any new postings that might interest you! Thank you for your interest in joining our team! State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!