About this role
Eligibility Specialist II - TANF
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Eligibility Specialist II
Opening Date: October 29, 2026
Closing Date: November 12, 2026
Job Class Code: 5073
Grade: 21 (Professional & Technical Services)
Salary: $22.51 - $31.50 per hour
New State employees begin at Step 1, $22.51 per hour
Position Numbers: 02000-2965, 02022-2971, 02022-7256, 02022-5651
Location: Bangor
This position allows for partial telework with management approval.
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
Core Responsibilities:
The position of Eligibility Specialist II determines initial and continued eligibility for public assistance programs. This vacancy is within the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Unit and has a strong focus on TANF policy. The position may also perform quality control work by reviewing eligibility decisions made by others. Work is done in a fast-paced environment that has high standards for customer service and program accuracy. The position gathers sensitive and personal information to make timely and accurate eligibility determinations. Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are necessary as the Eligibility Specialist interacts with people from different walks of life and/or in various emotional states.
Typical Duties:
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Interview clients, obtains and assesses all necessary facts, data, supporting information, and documentation pertaining to the application or recertification for public assistance.
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Evaluate information and applies allowable standards and criteria.
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Explain program eligibility requirements, rules, regulations and individual rights and responsibilities to clients and their representatives.
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Reviews and analyzes information for accuracy; identifies inconsistencies; requests necessary documentation; verifies and validates data.
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Answers inquiries and refers clients to various programs.
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Accurately enters data into an automated system and ensures accurate eligibility results.
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Communicate verbally and in writing with clients, co-workers and other agencies.
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Perform intermediate mathematical calculations.
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Maintain confidentiality of all applicant and recipient information.
Minimum Qualifications:
A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or progressively responsible experience in a social services setting which demonstrates interviewing and data gathering skills as needed to form basis for judgments in eligibility determinations, claims resolutions, and/or customer service requests– OR – a Bachelors Degree in Social Services, Business Administration, or other related field
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Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
The Office for Family Independence (OFI) is responsible for administration of eligibility determination for a number of programs, including MaineCare, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Supplement, Fraud and Recovery, and Child Support.
If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.