Eligibility Specialist II - TANF

MaineGuide; Bangor (ME); Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Partial telework

Job summary

The Department of Health and Human Services in Bangor, ME is seeking an Eligibility Specialist II to determine initial and continued eligibility for public assistance programs, with a focus on TANF. The role requires interviewing clients, gathering information, applying standards, and ensuring program accuracy.

This position offers partial telework with management approval and requires strong interpersonal and written communication skills, data entry accuracy, and confidentiality in handling

Qualifications

• Interview clients and collect necessary facts and documentation for TANF applications.
• Explain eligibility requirements, rules, and rights to clients.
• Maintain confidentiality of applicant information and sensitive data.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients and collect necessary facts and documentation.
• Evaluate information against program standards and criteria.
• Explain program eligibility requirements, rights, and responsibilities to clients.
• Review information for accuracy, identify inconsistencies, request documents and verify data.
• Answer inquiries and refer clients to relevant programs.
• Enter data into an automated system accurately.
• Communicate with clients, coworkers and agencies verbally and in writing.
• Perform intermediate mathematical calculations.
• Maintain confidentiality of applicant information.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Data entry

Communication skills

Interviewing clients

Customer service

Tools

Automated systems

Job description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Eligibility Specialist II

Opening Date: October 29, 2026

Closing Date: November 12, 2026

Job Class Code: 5073

Grade:21 (Professional & Technical Services)

Salary:$22.51 - $31.50 per hour*

*New State employees begin at Step 1, $22.51 per hour

Position Numbers: 02000-2965, 02022-2971, 02022-7256, 02022-5651

Location:Bangor

This position allows for partial telework with management approval.

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

Core Responsibilities:

The position of Eligibility Specialist II determines initial and continued eligibility for public assistance programs. This vacancy is within the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Unit and has a strong focus on TANF policy. The position may also perform quality control work by reviewing eligibility decisions made by others. Work is done in a fast-paced environment that has high standards for customer service and program accuracy. The position gathers sensitive and personal information to make timely and accurate eligibility determinations. Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are necessary as the Eligibility Specialist interacts with people from different walks of life and/or in various emotional states.

Typical Duties:

• Interview clients, obtains and assesses all necessary facts, data, supporting information, and documentation pertaining to the application or recertification for public assistance.
• Evaluate information and applies allowable standards and criteria.
• Explain program eligibility requirements, rules, regulations and individual rights and responsibilities to clients and their representatives.
• Reviews and analyzes information for accuracy; identifies inconsistencies; requests necessary documentation; verifies and validates data.
• Answers inquiries and refers clients to various programs.
• Accurately enters data into an automated system and ensures accurate eligibility results.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with clients, co-workers and other agencies.
• Perform intermediate mathematical calculations.
• Maintain confidentiality of all applicant