Child and Community Services Division
Family Services Eligibility

4365 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85040
4760 South Park Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85741

Salary: $20.0449 hourly

Grade: 18

Closing Date: October 5, 2026

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 to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

The Department of Economic Security, Child and Community Services Division (CCSD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our team as a Benefits and Eligibility Specialist. The person in this position reviews applications for various Public Assistance programs and determines applicant and recipient eligibility through interviewing, fact-finding, and verification of information. The position ensures applications are complete and accurate, addresses customer questions and concerns, and provides guidance regarding available assistance programs and services to help individuals access the benefits for which they may qualify. Provide guidance regarding rules and policies to claimants, representatives, employers, doctors, state and federal agencies, and solicits information to make qualification determinations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Performs interactive interviews to determine eligibility for government programs based on income levels, household composition, etc. Maintain ready status to answer calls and perform determinations by phone.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully to address customer concerns and determine appropriate resolution. Review applications for eligibility to ensure they meet all program requirements.
• Initiate and process applications through voice and/or other automated systems.
• Determine the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex computations and/or computer entries and then analyzing the results.
• Enter and retrieve numerical and narrative data and issue benefits from an automated computer system.
• Interact with clients to provide information about program eligibility requirements, program rules and regulations, and application procedures.
• Assist clients in completing applications for program eligibility and identifying needs and make appropriate referrals for health, social, and/or employment services.
• Provide excellent customer service to address complex cases and diffuse potentially volatile situations. Respond to questions and complaints of clients in person, by telephone, mail, and/or email communication.
• Monitor ongoing eligibility by obtaining periodic updates of eligibility factors and taking appropriate actions on changes.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, training, presentations and orientations.

Knowledge of:
• Laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing eligibility for diverse public assistance programs.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.
• Computers and software programs like Microsoft and Google to conduct research, assess information and prepare documentation.

Skills In:
• Explaining and interpreting Federal and State laws, statutes, rules, regulations, and guidelines applicable to assigned areas.
• Written and verbal communication.
• Time management
• Organization
• Problem solving

Ability to:
• Apply policies, procedures and programs.
• Apply the laws, rules and regulations governing eligibility for multiple public assistance programs and the case administration of these programs.
• Use fact-finding techniques and perform in-depth and interactive interviewing.
• Analyze and interpret written, numerical and verbal data from various sources.
• Enter and maintain data accurately and timely into a computerized system.
• Prepare clear, concise and accurate records and reports.
• Explain complex rules and programs so they can be understood by people of diverse
socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Review a variety of tax documents to obtain needed household filing information.
• Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
• The ideal candidate will have a High school diploma or GED and one (1) year of experience performing eligibility reviews or one (1) year of customer service experience.

• Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 41-1969 (Information Technology): Employee shall obtain and maintain a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card that meets DES requirements for a Level One card pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1969.
• This position may require 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.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; 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).

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
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

By offering a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

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 lifelong 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.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact me by email at ShannonAnguiano@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 OODHRStaffing@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.