Eligibility Worker I - Department OF HUMAN Services - MAUI

Job Posting

Recruitment Information

The immediate vacancy is with the Department of Human Services, Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD). This job posting will remain open until 50 applications are received. Please apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time. Salary: $3,748 to $4,742 per month (SR-12, Step C to I). Note: Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Duties Summary

These positions are located within the Department of Human Services in the Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) and Med-QUEST Division (MQD). BESSD provides eligible clients with monthly benefits that supplement such essentials as food, clothing, and shelter. BESSD Eligibility Workers determine the initial and continuing eligibility of applicants/recipients for the financial assistance and supplemental nutrition assistance programs. MQD provides eligible low-income adults and children access to health and medical coverage through managed care plans. MQD Eligibility Workers determine the initial and/or on-going eligibility of applicants/recipients for the State's medical assistance programs. As an entry level trainee, the Eligibility Worker I receives training in the philosophy, goals, functions, policies and procedures of State and Federal Public Assistance programs; recommends and/or determines eligibility for public assistance on selected cases; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements: Legal Authorization to Work: The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States. Education Requirement: Applicants must possess experience which demonstrated a high degree of verbal skill and the ability to read, comprehend and apply written directions and perform basic mathematical computations, including percentages and averages. This experience may be met from part-time and/or unpaid work. There must, however, be evidence that participation was on a continuous basis but not necessarily on a full-time normal work basis. This requirement may also be met by possession of a high school diploma, or equivalent. General Experience Requirement: Three (3) years of work experience which involved public contact work that required providing information, answering questions and inquiries, and explaining policies, rules, and regulations in person or by telephone; and utilizing a computer to retrieve and enter data. Substitution Allowed: Successful completion of thirty (30) semester credit hours of coursework from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the General Experience on a year-for-year basis.

Other Information

The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-0936 for assistance. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please visit https://studentaid.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service. The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs. Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings. The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held. In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.

Your Job Benefits with the State of Hawaii

The State of Hawaii offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur. A summary of these benefits, which is based on full-time employment, is listed below. Note: Benefits for NON-CIVIL SERVICE appointments will be provided by the hiring department at the time of interview. With Civil Service modernization, effective July 1, 2002, employees appointed to temporary positions may also gain membership in the civil service upon satisfactory completion of an initial probation period of at least six months. As a temporary member of the civil service, you will be eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits afforded to members of the civil service, with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force of a permanent member of the civil service.

Paid Holidays: You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year. Paid Vacation: You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match – 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation. Paid Sick Leave: You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation – 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations. Other Leaves: Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights. Health Insurance: The State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website www.eutf.hawaii.gov for coverage and options. Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees. Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to http://ers.ehawaii.gov. Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld. Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis. Transportation Benefits: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions. Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available. Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program. Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account. Promotions & Transfers: For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch. Training & Continuing Education: The State supports developmental activities related to an employee's work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees. Travel Expenses: The State may pay for certain business related travel