Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs

Benefits Program Tech (Benefits Program Technician)
Business and Employment Specialist
Case Manager
Eligibility Examiner
Eligibility Specialist
Eligibility Worker
Program Eligibility Specialist
Social Welfare Examiner (SWEX)
Workforce Advisor
Workforce Services Representative (WSR)

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.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

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

Tools Used

Knowledge

  • 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.

  • English Language

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • 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.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Social Perceptiveness

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Writing

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Abilities

  • Oral Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Oral Comprehension

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Speech Clarity

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Written Comprehension

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • 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?

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    26 %

    or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

  • Associate's degree
    24 %
  • Bachelor's degree
    24 %

Work Activities

  • Working with Computers

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Getting Information

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • 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.

  • Processing Information

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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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.