Eligibility Specialist I - Limited Service

The Economic Services Division (ESD) is responsible for the administration of benefits to help Vermonters meet their basic needs. ESD is one of 6 divisions under the Department for Children and Families (DCF) which is one of the largest departments (1000 employees) within the largest agency (Agency of Human Services) in the state of Vermont.

ESD Leadership recognizes that the division's biggest resource is our staff and is committed to continuously looking at ways to strengthen and support our workforce.This position is located in the Burlington district office.

The primary role of the Eligibility Specialist I is to determine eligibility of those who have applied for benefits. The Eligibility Specialist I is also responsible for providing timely and accurate benefits to those who meet the criteria. ESD is looking for someone to join this team who:

• can demonstrate empathy, concern, and respect for all customers
• is a critical thinker who can apply program rules to complex and dynamic situations
• thrives in a busy work environment
• is effective in assisting customers over the phone and in-person (if this is a district position)
• has experience working with individuals who may be distraught and emotional
• enjoys working on a team
• is open to learning new technology

What we offer

• The potential to be reclassified to the Eligibility Specialist II (PG 23) job class after demonstrating an advanced level of performance.
• We may offer flex scheduling or alternative work schedules based upon policy
• 11 paid holidays, plus sick and vacation time
• Excellent, health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
• Retirement plans, including a pension
• Parental leave for all new parents, including adoptions
• Working with a staff who is dedicated to supporting children and families, including your own.

This position, Eligibility Specialist I (Job Requisition #53815), is open to all State employees and external applicants. This is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized through 09/30/2026. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Peter Guay at peter.guay@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Duties are primarily performed in an office setting, but private means of transportation should be available for necessary travel to training and/or meetings. Workload is typically heavy with a constant need for prompt, accurate decisions. Incumbents must be organized and able to function independently while balancing competing priorities. Clientele can present with a variety of challenges resulting in a need to calmly and professionally manage situations in which applicants may be in a heightened emotional state, angry, frustrated, unable to communicate, and/or discouraged.

Two (2) years or more of experience in a customer service environment that included: regular use of computer programs AND clerical work and data entry.

OR

Bachelor's degree in a human service or financial field.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.