Eligibility Specialist I - Interim

Vermont, Inc; Waterbury (VT); On-site; USD 37,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Dental plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

State of Vermont’s Benefit Service Center in Waterbury, VT seeks an Eligibility Specialist I - Interim to join a dedicated team. The role focuses on determining eligibility for state and federally funded programs, delivering accurate information, and maintaining professionalism in high-pressure situations.

The position requires strong time management, communication, and teamwork skills, with an emphasis on growth, learning, and independent balance of priorities.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years or more of experience in a customer service environment that included regular use of computer programs AND clerical work and data entry.
• Bachelor's degree in a human service or financial field.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for Vermonters for State and Federally funded programs using multiple platforms.
• Answer calls and provide information in a professional, respectful manner.
• Manage interactions with applicants who may be in heightened emotional states, calmly and professionally.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Time management

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in human service or financial field

Job description

Title: Eligibility Specialist I - Interim

Application Deadline Date: 11/29/2026

Department: Children and Families

Location: Waterbury, VT, US

Position Type: Interim

Schedule Type: Full Time

Minimum Salary: $26.50

Maximum Salary: $41.37

Overview

The Benefit Service Center (BSC-Call Center) is hiring an Eligibility Specialist I (ES1) to join our dedicated team.

We are looking for an ideal candidate who:

• Demonstrates excellent time management and organizational skills


• Actively listens and communicates rules and information in a professional, respectful manner


• Is positive, approachable, and a strong team player


• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing


• Collaborates and contributes to achieving organizational goals


• Is motivated to grow, learn, and continuously improve while understanding the responsibilities of the role

The Benefit Service Center (BSC) is a unique, hardworking, and collaborative team dedicated to providing accurate benefits and an excellent customer experience. The Call Center determines eligibility for Vermonters for State and Federally funded programs using multiple platforms and a variety of call center technologies.

This is an interim position with an anticipated end date of July 2027, this date may be shortened or extended.

Who May Apply

This position, Eligibility Specialist I - Interim (Job Requisition #56067), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Duties are primarily performed in an office setting, but private means of transportation should be available for necessary travel to training and/or meetings. Workload is typically heavy with a constant need for prompt, accurate decisions. Incumbents must be organized and able to function independently while balancing competing priorities. Clientele can present with a variety of challenges resulting in a need to calmly and professionally manage situations in which applicants may be in a heightened emotional state, angry, frustrated, unable to communicate, and/or discouraged.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years or more of experience in a customer service environment that included: regular use of computer programs AND clerical work and data entry.

OR

Bachelor's degree in a human service or financial field.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families


• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan


• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)


• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan


• Tuition Reimbursement


• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts


• Low cost group life insurance


• Incentive-based Wellness Program


• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.