Eligibility Specialist II

State of Maine; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Department of Health and Human Services in Portland, ME seeks an Eligibility Specialist II to determine complex eligibility for MaineCare, SNAP, and TANF. Partial telework is allowed with management approval, and new hires begin at Step 1.

Responsibilities include evaluating information, using multiple systems, explaining program rules, and guiding applicants through the process to ensure accurate determinations and timely access to benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a four-year combination of education, training, and/or progressive experience in a social services setting or a Bachelor's Degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate information and apply program standards to determine complex eligibility, often for multiple programs.
• Use multiple systems to enter, review, and verify eligibility data and documentation.
• Explain program rules and decisions clearly to applicants in writing, by phone, and in person.
• Review and process information received by mail or electronically for completeness and compliance.
• Connect individuals with MaineCare, SNAP, TANF or other services.
• Engage in outreach to provide program information and accept applications.
• Gather evidence, develop reports, and represent the Department at hearings.
• Maintain strong communication and teamwork with diverse clientele.

Skills

Communication skills

Data collection

Problem solving

Mathematical calculations

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Services or related field

Tools

Eligibility data systems

Job description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Opening Date: June 18, 2026 Closing Date: September 18, 2026 Job Class Code: 5073 Grade: 21 (Professional & Technical Services) Salary: $21.54 - $30.14 per hour **New State employees begin at Step 1, $21.54 per hour Location: Portland This position allows for partial telework with management approval Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions

Core Responsibilities

As an Eligibility Specialist II, you'll play a vital role in connecting Maine residents to key programs including MaineCare-the state's largest health insurance program serving lower-income adults, children, older adults, and people with disabilities; SNAP or food benefits to help low-income people and families supplement their grocery budgets; and TANF or cash assistance to help families while they work towards becoming self-sufficient. 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 complex eligibility decisions, often for multiple programs at the same time. This includes performing intermediate mathematical calculations.
• Use multiple technology systems to enter, review, and verify eligibility-related data and documentation.
• Clearly explain program rules, requirements, and decisions to applicants and recipients-in writing, over the phone, and in-person.
• Reviews 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.
• Engage in outreach efforts to provide program information, accept applications, and determine eligibility.
• Gather evidence, develop reports, and represent the Department at administrative hearings.
• 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

A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or progressively responsible experience a social services setting which demonstrates interviewing and data gathering skills as needed to form basis for judgments in eligibility determinations, claims resolutions, and/or customer service requests- OR - a Bachelors Degree in Social Services, Business Administration, or other related field Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you're currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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.

Application Information

For additional information about this position please contact Marcus Hatch at [phone] or by email at [e-mail]

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.
• 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 you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan - The State contributes the equivalent of 14.06% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including non-birthing and adoptive parents-receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation - Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
• Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.