Eligibility Specialist I

Department of Marine Resources; Farmington (ME); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

3+ weeks vacation leave

Sick leave 12 days per year

Job summary

The Department of Marine Resources seeks an Eligibility Specialist I to connect Maine residents to MaineCare health coverage. You will determine eligibility, explain rules, and help clients navigate complex systems with a focus on accuracy and service.

Work is fast-paced and team-oriented, with a hybrid in-office requirement. Candidates should have a two-year mix of training and experience in health or human services and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Two-year combination of training, education, and/or experience in a health or human services setting.
• Ability to apply policies and rules to determine eligibility and maintain records.
• Strong written and verbal communication to explain MaineCare rules clearly.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate information and apply program standards to determine MaineCare eligibility and benefits.
• Use technology systems to enter, review, and verify eligibility-related data.
• Explain MaineCare rules and decisions to applicants and members by writing and phone.
• Review information received electronically or by mail for completeness and compliance.
• Connect individuals with additional programs and services as needed.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Two-year training/education/experience in health or human services

Tools

Multiple technology systems

Job description

Opening Date: October 29, 2026 Closing Date: November 12, 2026 Job Class Code: 5075 Grade: 18 (Professional & Technical Services) Salary: $19.88 - $27.67 per hour* *New State employees begin at Step 1, $19.88 per hour Position Numbers: 02000-3778, 02000-3781, 02000-3815, 02000-3805, 02000-3796 Location: Farmington

This opening is a hybrid position with a partial in office requirement.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Core Responsibilities:

As an Eligibility Specialist I, you'll play a vital role in connecting Maine residents to the health coverage they need through MaineCare-the state's largest health insurance program serving lower-income adults, children, older adults, and people with disabilities. In this position, you'll help people navigate important life situations while ensuring accuracy in determining eligibility. The work is fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven with a strong focus on customer service, problem solving, and teamwork.

What you'll do:

• Evaluate information and apply program standards to accurately determine MaineCare eligibility and benefits.
• Use multiple technology systems to enter, review, and verify eligibility-related data and documentation.
• Clearly explain MaineCare rules, requirements, and decisions to applicants and members-both in writing and over the phone.
• Review and process information received electronically or by mail to ensure completeness and compliance.
• Connect individuals with additional programs and services that may support their health and well-being.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential as you'll work with people from diverse backgrounds, with varying needs, and help them navigate complex systems during moments that matter.

Minimum Qualifications:

To qualify for this position, you must have a two (2) year combination of training, education, and/or experience in a health or human services setting which demonstrates competency in applying policies and rules to make decisions, maintaining and verifying digital records, and/or responding to client requests.

Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The Office for Family Independence (OFI) connects Maine people and families to services and programs that foster health, safety, resilience, and opportunity including MaineCare (Medicaid), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other education and career programs.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.
• Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 - $13,650.48 annual value) , depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for yo