Eligibility Specialist - Limited Service

Overview

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 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 and to provide timely and accurate benefits to those who meet the criteria.

• Demonstrated empathy, concern, and respect for all customers
• Critical thinker who can apply program rules to complex and dynamic situations
• Thrives in a busy work environment
• Effective in assisting customers over the phone and in-person
• Experience working with individuals who may be distraught and emotional
• Enjoys working on a team
• Open to learning new technology

• Potential reclassification to Eligibility Specialist II (PG 23) after advanced performance
• Flex scheduling or alternative work schedules based on policy
• 11 paid holidays, plus sick and vacation time
• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families
• Retirement plans, including a pension
• Parental leave for all new parents, including adoptions
• Supportive staff dedicated to children and families

This position,
Eligibility Specialist I (Job Requisition #53815), is open to all State employees and external applicants. This is a Limited Service position, non‑tenured, authorized through 09/30/2026. For more information, contact Peter Guay y. Resumes will not be accepted via e‑mail; you must apply online to be considered. Multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this posting.

Duties are performed primarily in an office setting, but private transportation should be available for necessary travel to training and 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, requiring calm and professional management of heightened emotional states, anger, frustration, communication barriers, and discouragement.

Two (2) years or more of experience in a customer service environment that included regular use of computer programs, clerical work, and data entry,
OR a 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, will be conducted on candidates, except for current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion, or demotion into an AHS classified position or 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 families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(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.