Eligibility and Benefit Specialist
State of Iowa
FreshPosted Mar 18
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Posted: March 20, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Eligibility and Benefit Specialist
State of Iowa
400 Health & Human Services - Community Access Eligibility
Location
Iowa, 50319
Salary
$22.92 - $33.54
per hour
Type
Full-Time
More IT & Technology jobs →Closes
March 31, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves helping people over the phone in a call center by checking if they qualify for government aid programs like food stamps, Medicaid, and cash assistance, then processing their applications and updates.
It's a steady full-time role with regular hours in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and some remote work possible after training.
A good fit would be someone compassionate, detail-oriented, and comfortable with customer service and basic computer tasks who enjoys supporting families in need.
Key Requirements
- Strong customer service skills for interviewing clients telephonically and communicating program rules
- Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret complex policies and customer information
- Effective communication in person, by phone, and in writing
- Organizational skills with attention to detail for managing workloads and meeting processing deadlines
- Proficiency in computer navigation and basic math skills
- Experience or ability to document case actions and process eligibility changes accurately
- Willingness to work full-time in the office initially, with overtime as needed
Full Job Description
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Community Access, Bureau of Eligibility Determinations is seeking a Eligibility and Benefit Specialist to join our team!
HHS has hundreds of team members across the state and is in search of highly motivated and compassionate individuals interested in a rewarding career assisting those in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services through programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) and Temporary assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
The position is part of the Income Maintenance Customer Service Center (IMCSC), a call center which provides direct support and processes eligibility changes for these programs.
This is a full-time opportunity, Monday – Friday, and the shift is 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with overtime as needed. This position is located in the Council Bluffs office.
While there may be an option for some remote work after a 6-month training and probationary period, the ability to work full-time in the assigned office at any time is required.
Core Essential Functions:
- Determine eligibility for State and Federal assistance programs administered by HHS.
- Process case actions within specific time frames.
- Interview applicants and clients telephonically.
- Communicate program rules and responsibilities.
- Document case actions.
- Manage assigned duties that include reviewing documents, processing changes in eligibility, making referrals to other services, and completing corrective actions when necessary.
- Complete other duties as assigned including participation in committees, work groups, public forums, and trainings.
The ideal candidate will be able to:
- Provide exceptional customer service.
- Collect, analyze and interpret complex policies, procedures and information from customers or 3rd parties.
- Communicate effectively in person, via phone, and in writing.
- Excel at meeting processing timeframes and managing an individual workload while working within a team.
- Prepare and present documents verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and strong attention to details.
- Possess strong computer navigation and math skills.
Benefits
Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
- Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
- Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
- Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
- Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
- Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.
For additional information on benefits click here.
Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.
Background Checks
Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.
The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer
HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply.
Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.
The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.
For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.
Qualifications
Sixty semester hours (or equivalent academic units) from an accredited college or university;OR
a combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time public contact work experience obtaining, analyzing and/or evaluating data for each year of the required college education (on the basis that thirty semester hours is equal to one year of work experience);OR
employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to 18 months of full-time work at a Clerk Advanced level or above involving public contact experience on a regular basis in a service area.For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.
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