Description
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.
DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.
DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST Job Location: Child and Community Services Division (CCSD)
1701 North 4th Street, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004 Posting Details: Salary: $20.0449/$41,693 Annually
Grade: 18
Closing Date: January 12, 2025
Job Summary:
Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES' video. Come Join the DES Team!
DES is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Benefits and Eligibility Specialist. This position is responsible for reviewing applications for various public assistance programs and determining the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs through interactive interviewing and fact gathering; verifying that any application forms have been filled out correctly and checking the information on the forms for accuracy. This may require specialists to follow up with applicants a number of times.
The position communicates effectively with applicants and recipients of public assistance programs to address customer concerns and determine appropriate resolution; advising applicants on what assistance programs may benefit them and then helping them receive that benefit. Explain rules and policies to claimants, representatives, employers, doctor's, state and federal agencies and solicit information to make qualification determinations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Performs interactive interviews to elicit eligibility information to determining eligibility for government programs based on income levels, household composition, etc. Maintain ready status to answer calls and perform determination by phone. Communicate effectively and respectfully to address customer concerns and determine appropriate resolution. Reviewing applications for eligibility to ensure they meet all program requirements.
• Initiate and process applications through voice and/or other automated systems; determine the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex computations and/or computer entries and then analyzing the results; enters and retrieves numerical and narrative data and issues benefits from an automated computer system.
• Interacting with clients to provide information about program eligibility requirements, program rules and regulations, and application procedures; assist clients in completing applications for program eligibility; identify needs and make appropriate referrals for health, social, and/or employment services. Provide excellent customer service to address complex case and diffuse potentially volatile situations.
• Monitors on-going eligibility by obtaining periodic updated information of eligibility factors and takes appropriate actions on changes.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, presentations and orientations.
• Responds to questions and complaints of clients in person, by telephone, mail and/or email communication.
Knowledge of:
• Laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing eligibility for diverse public assistance programs and related case administrative techniques.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information and/or prepare documentation.
Skills In:
• Written and verbal communication to explain and interpret Federal and State laws, statutes, rules, regulations, and guidelines applicable to the area of assignment.
• Time management
• Organization
• Problem solving
Ability to:
• Apply the policies, procedures and programs.
• Apply the laws, rules and regulations governing eligibility for multiple public assistance programs and the case administration of these programs.
• Use fact finding techniques and perform in depth and interactive interviewing.
• Analyze and interpret written, numerical and verbal data from various sources.
• Enter and maintain data accurately and timely into a computerized system.
• Prepare clear, concise and accurate records and reports.
• Explain complex rules and programs so they can be understood by people of diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Review a variety of tax documents to obtain needed household filing information.
• Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.
This ideal candidate for this position will have:
• The ideal candidate will have a High school diploma or GED and One (1) year of experience performing eligibility reviews or (1) year of customer service experience.
• Employee shall obtain and maintain a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card that meets DES requirements for a Level One card
pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1969.
• This position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.
For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Margaret Guerra (480) 601-1445 or mguerra@azdes.gov. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting at (480) 601-1445 or mguerra@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
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