ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION SPECIALIST

State of Tennessee Job Information Opening Date/Time: 07/14/2026 12:00AM Central Time Closing Date/Time: 07/27/2026 11:59PM Central Time Salary (Monthly): $3,229.00 - $4,041.00 Salary (Annually): $38,748.00 - $48,492.00 Job Type: Full‑Time Location: Lenoir City, TN Department: Human Services Location of Position(s) to be Filled: Department of Human Services, Loudon County For More Information: This is an on‑site position. This position requires a criminal background check, and applicants may be required to provide information about their criminal history. Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree. Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full‑time professional eligibility determination experience and/or a combination of para‑professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis. OR Two years of full‑time para‑professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services. Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must: Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority. Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority. Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI‑based criminal history records clerk. Overview This classification learns to perform eligibility determination work of average difficulty. The employee is customer‑facing and learns to interview customers and determine eligibility for SNAP and TANF programs. The classification performs responsibilities at the learning level under direct supervision. It differs from the Eligibility Counselor 2, which operates at the working level. An applicant appointed will be reclassified to an Eligibility Counselor 2 after successful completion of a mandatory one‑year training period; "unacceptable" or "needs improvement" performance ratings during the training period will result in automatic demotion or termination. Responsibilities Learn to manage a workload of initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for SNAP and TANF programs based on specific demographic and economic criteria in accordance with Federal and State requirements through independently conducting probing interviews with customers by phone or in person. Learn to provide case management for initial SNAP and TANF eligibility, ongoing eligibility, and customer changes to assess impact on continued eligibility through direct customer engagement via phone or in person. Learn to calculate monthly income and expenses to ensure accurate budgeting. Document information regarding verifications requested/received, benefits and services provided, and other case‑related activity using a computerized case record and/or paper case files. Learn to ensure accurate receipt of entitled benefits by reviewing, verifying and utilizing data provided by customers and multiple electronic systems while maintaining confidentiality. Learn to assist customers with the application process and scheduling appointments. Learn to review and interpret program policy and explain eligibility and ongoing responsibilities for programs/services to ensure customer understanding. Learn to assess customer’s strengths and consider their goals, desired outcomes, work activities, and supportive services to aid in self‑sufficiency. Identify benefits and services that may be available to customers within the Department or from external sources and make referrals as appropriate. Learn to develop and maintain partnerships with vendors and outside organizations to obtain information, promote programs and identify available services and benefits to effectively meet customer needs and promote self‑sufficiency. Competencies (KSA's) 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