Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
What is a Eligibility Interviewer, Government Programs?
Eligibility Interviewers for government programs are responsible for determining the eligibility of applicants for various public assistance programs. They conduct in-person or telephone interviews, reviewing necessary documents and information to assess an individual’s or household's qualifications for benefits such as unemployment assistance, food stamps, housing assistance, and other social services. These professionals must have a deep understanding of program rules, regulations, and eligibility criteria, as well as the ability to navigate complex casework issues. They often work closely with social workers, assessors, and other professionals to ensure that applicants receive the appropriate services while maintaining compliance with federal and state guidelines. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as they must effectively explain policies to applicants and help them through the application process.
Tasks
- Compute and authorize amounts of assistance for programs, such as grants, monetary payments, and food stamps.
- Keep records of assigned cases, and prepare required reports.
- Compile, record, and evaluate personal and financial data to verify completeness and accuracy, and to determine eligibility status.
- Interview and investigate applicants for public assistance to gather information pertinent to their applications.
- Interview benefits recipients at specified intervals to certify their eligibility for continuing benefits.
Technology Skills
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Outlook
- Video conferencing software
- Medical software
- Spreadsheet software
- Document management software
Tools Used
- Photocopiers
- Scanners
- Typewriters
- Special purpose telephones
- Pocket calculator
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
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Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Skills
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Associate's degree
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Bachelor's degree
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Detailed Work Activities
- Calculate financial data.
- Record information about legal matters.
- Compile data or documentation.
- Interview employees, customers, or others to collect information.
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$36720.0 - $68180.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.