Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME)
Family Assistance Administration (FAA)
Research and Aalysis (R&A)
8620 North 22nd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85021

Salary: $21.4308/Hourly ($44,576.06 Annually) 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: October 02, 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, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Benefits and Eligibility Specialist Senior for the FAA Research and Analysis Unit. This position investigates a diverse caseload of specialized situations, conducting in depth research and analysis into the conditions or circumstances that are unique and require review to ensure determination of benefits is appropriate.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Primarily serves as mentor, lead, or coach to lower-level staff.
• Assists with determining initial and ongoing eligibility for benefits and public assistance programs and assists with processing cases by verifying customer statements, completing evaluations and review sheets.
• Ensure accuracy and timely completion of assignments and projects to meet the daily objectives, performance measures, and goals of the agency; planning workflow and controlling the daily working arrangements or duties assigned and consulting with appropriate personnel regarding program objectives, accountability, and delivery of services.
• Documenting data and information gathered and comparing findings with established guidelines of the eligibility programs; compiling, recording, and evaluating personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status.
• Preparing for regional and state reviews and audits by identifying problematic areas, keeping records of assigned cases, and preparing required reports.
• Providing technical support to ensure staff are in compliance with eligibility rules, policies, standards and processes to ensure the accuracy of each determination per policy and procedures for each program applied for.

Knowledge in:

• Federal, State, and agency statutes, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple public assistance programs and related case administrative techniques.
• Policies, procedures, and programs of the department applicable to area of assignment.
• Program services used to conduct quality control reviews.
• Interviewing and assessment techniques.
  

Skills in:

• Written and verbal communication to explain and interpret Federal and State laws, statutes, rules, regulations, and guidelines applicable to the area of assignment.
  

Ability to:

• Evaluate and make appropriate decisions (or determinations).
• Resolve program related issues and provide technical assistance to staff.
• Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations
• Explain program benefits, requirements, procedures, complex rules and programs so they can be understood by people of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Three (2-3) years of experience performing eligibility reviews and determinations in the programs provided by the Family Assistance Administration (FAA) with DBME.

• If this position requires 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 check; 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 providing the option of 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 life-long 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 contace Jennifer Honhoinewa at JHonhoinewa@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 480-356-6674. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.