Eligibility Advisor I

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Are you a highly motivated, compassionate and dedicated individual looking for a rewarding career assisting the most vulnerable citizens of Texas in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services?

If so, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Access and Eligibility Services (AES) division is looking for individuals who want to join an exciting, dynamic team working in a high-performing and innovative environment. AES provides an integrated and streamlined approach to connect individuals to services and supports that: reduce institutionalization, allow individuals to remain in their communities, and promote economic and personal self-sufficiency. AES is built upon its’ core values of respect, ownership, collaboration, and integrity with a goal of delivering best-in-class customer service to clients and stakeholders.

Our staff are well organized, able to multi-task, possess the ability to learn policy regulations, able to thrive in a challenging, fast-paced, and evolving environment, have good communication skills, a positive attitude, strong work-ethic and a desire to help others. If you also possess these skills, then we are looking for you.

We want you to join our team!

The Eligibility Advisor I position consists of three job classifications; Texas Works Advisor, Medical Eligibility Specialist, and Hospital Based Worker that establish eligibility for different financial and medical programs. These include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD) and Medicaid.

The Eligibility Advisor I position is included in a career track series. After a probationary period of one year, an Eligibility Advisor I will be considered for an upgrade to an Eligibility Advisor II position once performance requirements are met.

Based on current training requirements, applicants who have AES program eligibility experience as an Eligibility Advisor II or higher, within one year of the application date, may be considered for rehire at the Eligibility Advisor II level.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

As an Eligibility Advisor I, you will receive paid, formal, training to perform the following essential job functions:

• Interview applicants and recipients in person or by inbound or outbound telephone calls to obtain pertinent financial and personal information to determine financial eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Evaluate data from various electronic and other sources to enter information into a computer-based eligibility system.
• Compute and authorize benefits based on eligibility determination.
• Process work in accordance with state and federal regulations and established procedures, guidelines, and timeframes.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Must be able to work overtime, as required by management, outside of normal hours of operation, which may include weekends when called upon.

Must be able to work in a highly stressful and fast-paced environment under constant pressure to meet required deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

In addition to the above listed functions, the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are needed:

• Use fact-finding techniques to obtain, relate and evaluate information provided by applicants.
• Read, understand, apply, and explain detailed regulations and policies.
• Perform basic arithmetic functions.
• Manage time efficiently by establishing priorities in accordance with importance of deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• Operate computers to perform data entry and basic office software use such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

General knowledge and proficiency with computers and related technologies, such as software, hardware, operating systems, and typing skills.

Using Microsoft Teams and potentially soft phone technology is part of the everyday job expectations.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Applicants must meet the following education and experience requirements:

Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter hours from an accredited college or university is preferred.

Experience:

One (1) year of customer service experience with public contact which can include retail, call center, clerical, hospitality, banking, receptionist, or similar customer service experience.

Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter hours from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of required experience.

Experience in an environment interviewing clients and gathering personal information in-person or over the phone is preferred.

Additional Information:

This posting may be used to fill positions in other locations within the region, as vacancies occur.

Access and Eligibility Services Field Office normal hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. Employees may be required to work overtime, as required by management, outside of normal hours of operation, which may include weekends.

Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any program it administers. Applicants who have a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form