Job No: 541619
Work Type: Full-time
Location: PEORIA
Categories: Administrative Support/Customer Service
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 (ELIGIBILITY INTERVIEWER)
Job Location:
Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME)
Family Assistance Administration (FAA)
Peoria Field Office
8990 West Peoria Avenue, Peoria, Arizona 85345
Posting Details:
Salary: $18.6159/Hourly ($38,721.07 Annually)
Grade: 18
Closing Date: June 16, 2026
This is a temporary position with the State of Arizona, Department of Economic Security, not to exceed 1,500 hours by December 31, 2026. Temporary positions are benefits eligible and receive pay for State observed holidays.
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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nik5MiXqOV8) to view 'Our DES' video. Come Join the DES Team!
If you enjoy helping people and being recognized for your efforts, a customer service career at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is the job for you.
As an Eligibility Interviewer, you will determine eligibility for Arizonans in need of Nutrition Assistance, Medical Assistance and/or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. This is an ideal position for an individual who is highly motivated, has decision-making skills, can work independently and multi-task in a fast-paced environment, and provide quality interaction and communication with our clients. This is an in-person, on site-position.
Job Duties:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
You will be working in a fast-paced office environment, assisting clients in-person and/or by telephone.
You will be attending paid classroom training with on-the-job training (learning by doing).
Provide excellent customer service in person and by phone to individuals and families facing challenging and personal situations.
Collect and gather information to conduct interviews to make eligibility determinations for Medical Assistance, Nutrition Assistance, and Cash Assistance.
While talking to the individuals and families by phone, you will complete the application process and interview process, by entering data on a computer and accessing multiple screens.
Adhere to agency standards measured by metrics, attendance, service levels, accuracy and timeliness.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge in:
Customer service practices.
Computer navigation of various software applications, including but not limited to Google Suite or Microsoft.
Skills in:
Professional written and verbal communication.
Customer friendly, empathetic and patient.
Computer experience; typing, navigating and using multiple computer systems on multiple screens while talking to the client by phone.
Core math skills, including but not limited to, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Ability to:
Evaluate and make appropriate decisions (or determinations).
Access, maintain, review and interpret information.
Work independently as well as interacting with others on a team.
Review and explain eligibility requirements with applicants of diverse backgrounds and guide them to resources as part of the interview process.
Selective Preference(s):
The ideal candidate for this position will have:
One (1) year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one (1) year of customer service experience.
A High School Diploma or GED.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
If this position requires 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. (https://publicstorage.dc4.pageuppeople.com/1045/ClientPublicFile/3601803f-02e5-4b70-b325-26c8ef309c1b.pdf)
Successfully pass background and reference check; 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).
Benefits:
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
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
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.
Contact Us:
For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Meracle Cothron at mcothron@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 mcothron@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
