Eligibility Specialist II

If you are a current State of Maine employee, you must complete your application through the internal application process (Find Jobs Report). Please apply using your PRISM account. If you are on Seasonal Leave and do not have access to PRISM, contact your local Human Resources representative for application information.

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Opening Date: December 30, 2025 Closing Date: January 13, 2026 Job Class Code: 5073 Grade: 21 (Professional & Technical Services) Salary: $21.54 - $30.14 per hour* *New State employees begin at Step 1, $21.54 per hour Position Number: 02022-8009 Location: Portland Core

Responsibilities:

The position of Eligibility Specialist II determines initial and continued eligibility for public assistance programs. This vacancy is within the Long-Term Care Eligibility Unit and has a strong focus on MaineCare 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.

What you:

’ll do: • Evaluate information and apply program standards to accurately determine complex eligibility decisions, often for multiple programs at the same time. This includes performing intermediate mathematical calculations.

• Use multiple technology systems to enter, review, and verify eligibility-related data and documentation.
• Clearly explain program rules,

requirements:

, and decisions to applicants and recipients—in writing, over the phone, and in-person.

• Reviews and process information received electronically or by mail to ensure completeness and compliance.
• Connect individuals with additional programs and services that may support their health and well-being.
• Engage in outreach efforts to provide program information, accept applications, and determine eligibility.
• Gather evidence, develop reports, and represent the Department at administrative hearings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal

skills:

are essential as you’ll work with people from diverse backgrounds, with varying needs, and help them navigate complex systems during moments that matter. Minimum

Qualifications:

A four (4) year combination of

education:

, training, and/or progressively responsible

experience:

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 Thinking

about:

applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived

experience:

and passion set you apart. 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) connects Maine people and families to services and programs that foster health, safety, resilience, and

opportunity:

including MaineCare (Medicaid), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other

education:

and career programs. Application Information: For additional information

about:

this position please contact Marcus Hatch at (207) 890-6810 or by email at Marcus.Hatch@Maine.gov. To apply, please upload a resume, cover letter, and transcript (transcript needed only if

education:

is used to meet the minimum

qualifications:

) Please submit all documents or files in a PDF or Word format. To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov

Benefits:

of working for the State of Maine: No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total

compensation:

package, including: Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary.

Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information

about:

program

requirements:

Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value). Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). Parental leave is one of the most important

benefits:

for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act. State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive

benefits:

package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn

about:

additional wellness

benefits:

for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note:

Benefits:

may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time. There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your

skills:

Applicants demonstrate job

requirements:

in differing ways, and we appreciate that many

skills:

and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal

Opportunity:

employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good

about:

what you:

do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. 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. Join Maine State Government and Make a Difference in Your Community If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers.

With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an

opportunity:

for you to help make Maine an even better place to live. eases, there’s a place for you here, and your work will have meaning.