Eligibility Specialist I - Interim

at State of Vermont in White River Junction, Vermont, United States

Job Description

Who We Are:

The Economic Services Division (ESD) is responsible for the administration of benefits to help Vermonters meet their basic needs. ESD is one of 6 divisions under the Department for Children and Families (DCF) which is one of the largest departments (1000 employees) within the largest agency (Agency of Human Services) in the state of Vermont.  

ESD Leadership recognizes that the division's biggest resource is our staff and is committed to continuously looking at ways to strengthen and support our workforce. 

This position is located in the Hartford district office which is known for teamwork, strong community partnerships, office comradery.

The Role: 

The primary role of the Eligibility Specialist I is to determine eligibility of those who have applied for benefits.  The Eligibility Specialist I is also responsible for providing timely and accurate benefits to those who meet the criteria. ESD is looking for someone to join this team who: 

can demonstrate empathy, concern, and respect for all customers 

is a critical thinker who can apply program rules to complex and dynamic situations 

thrives in a busy work environment is effective in assisting customers over the phone and in-person (if this is a district position) 

has experience working with individuals who may be distraught and emotional 

enjoys working on a team  

is open to learning new technology 

What we offer  

The potential to be reclassified to the Eligibility Specialist II (PG 23) job class after demonstrating an advanced level of performance. 

We may offer flex scheduling or alternative work schedules based upon policy 

11 paid holidays, plus sick and vacation time 

Excellent, health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families. 

Retirement plans, including a pension 

Parental leave for all new parents, including adoptions 

Working with a staff who is dedicated to supporting children and families, including your own.

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.