Opening Date: April 26, 2024
Closing Date: May 10, 2024
Job Class Code: 5073
Grade: 19 (Professional & Technical Services)
Salary: $21.97-$25.66/hourly*
*New Employees to the State of Maine in this classification begin at Step 4 of the pay scale at $20.73 per hour.
Position Number: 02000-1684
Location: Augusta
Core Responsibilities:
The position of Eligibility Specialist determines initial and continued eligibility for public assistance programs. This vacancy is within the Long Term Care Eligibility Unit and has a strong focus on MaineCare 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:
• Interviews clients, obtains and assesses all necessary facts, data, supporting information, and documentation pertaining to the application or recertification for public assistance.
• Evaluates information and applies allowable standards and criteria.
• Explains 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.
• Enters data accurately into an automated system and ensures accurate eligibility results.
• Communicates verbally and in writing with clients, co-workers and other agencies.
• Performs intermediate mathematical calculations.
• Maintains confidentiality of all applicant and recipient information.
Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify, you must have a four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or experience in providing direct assistance to individuals or groups or deciding client eligibility in a business, legal or social services setting which demonstrates interviewing and data gathering skills to form judgments in eligibility determinations, claims resolution, transaction processing, insurance coverage and/or customer service requests - OR - a Bachelor’s Degree in social services, public or business administration, or other related fields.
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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 is responsible for administration of eligibility determination for a number of programs, including MaineCare, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Supplement, Fraud and Recovery, and Child Support.
Application Information:
Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.
For additional information about this position please contact Marcus Hatch at (207) 890-6810 or by email at Marcus.Hatch@Maine.gov .
To apply, please upload a resume, cover letter, and transcript (transcript needed only if education is used to meet the minimum qualifications).
To request a paper application, please contact Ashley.Smith@Maine.gov .
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, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 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.
- Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
- Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
- Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers 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.
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 part-time employment.
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.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.