Eligibility Specialist

Eligibility Counselor 1* – 12162025-73640 Join the State of Tennessee in Morristown, TN to apply for the Eligibility Counselor 1* role. This full‑time position is located in the Department of Human Services, Adult and Family Services Division, Hamblen County. Opening Date: 12/16/2025 12:00 AM Central Time Closing Date: 01/05/2026 11:59 PM Central Time Salary: $3,229.00 – $4,041.00 monthly ($38,748.00 – $48,492.00 annually) Location: Morristown, TN Job Type: Full‑time Position Details: This on‑site role requires a criminal background check. Applicants must complete a criminal history disclosure form, agree to release records, and supply a fingerprint sample as prescribed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. For more information, see the full job posting at Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience. Substitution of experience for education: qualifying full‑time professional eligibility determination experience, or a combination of para‑professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or state contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services, may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis. Two years of full‑time para‑professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or state contractor may also satisfy the requirement. Applicants must: complete a criminal history disclosure form; agree to release all records of criminal history; supply a fingerprint sample. Overview This classification learns to perform eligibility determination work of average difficulty. Employees are customer‑facing, interview customers, and determine eligibility for SNAP and TANF programs. The role is at the learning level under direct supervision and differs from the Eligibility Counselor 2 class in that the latter functions at the working level. After a mandatory one‑year training period, an incumbent will be reclassified to Eligibility Counselor 2. Unacceptable or needs‑improvement performance ratings during training may result in demotion or termination. Responsibilities Manage a workload of initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for SNAP and TANF programs based on demographic and economic criteria. Conduct probing interviews with customers by phone or in person. Provide case management for initial eligibility, ongoing eligibility, and customer changes. Calculate monthly income and expenses to ensure accurate budgeting. Document verifications requested/received, benefits and services provided, and other case‑related activity using a computerized case record and/or paper files. Ensure accurate receipt of entitled benefits by reviewing, verifying, and utilizing data from customers and multiple electronic systems. Assist customers with the application process and scheduling appointments. Review and interpret program policy and explain eligibility and ongoing responsibilities to customers. Assess customer strengths, goals, and activities to aid in self‑sufficiency. Identify available benefits and services from the Department or external sources and make referrals as appropriate. Develop and maintain partnerships with vendors and outside organizations to obtain information, promote programs, and identify available services and benefits to support customer needs and promote self‑sufficiency. Competencies Tech Savvy Decision Quality Optimizes Work Processes Communicates Effectively Instills Trust Knowledges Customer and Personal Language English Language Skills Mathematics Active Learning and Listening Complex Problem Solving Time Management Abilities Deductive Reasoning Inductive Reasoning Problem Sensitivity Written Comprehension Tools & Equipment General Office Equipment Computer/Laptop/Tablet Multifunctional Printer (Print / Scan / Fax / Copy) Calculator #J-18808-Ljbffr