Montgomery County MD
Term Government Assistance Eligibility Specialist I, Grade 17
Montgomery County MD, Rockville, Maryland, us, 20849
Salary :
$59,897.00 - $94,134.00 Annually Location :
1401 Rockville Pike Rockville MD 20852 USA Job Type:
Term Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid Job Number:
2025-00444 Department:
Department of Health and Human Services Division:
HHS 60 Office of Eligibility and Support Services Opening Date:
08/13/2025 Closing Date:
8/19/2025 11:59 PM Eastern FLSA:
Non-Exempt
About the Position This is a term position budgeted through 7/1/2026. Continued
employment
beyond this date is subject to extension of the term and is not guaranteed. The expected salary range for the Government Assistance Eligibility Specialist I, Grade 17, upon hire is $59,897.00 - $64,358.52. WHO WE ARE Montgomery County is located adjacent to Washington, D.C., and with over one million residents, is the most populous County in the State of Maryland. The County is also the most diverse County in the State and ranks among the top ten most diverse Counties in the nation. Montgomery County contains many major U.S. government offices, scientific research and learning centers, and business campuses. The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for delivery of the County's public health and human services that meet the needs of our community's most vulnerable children, adults and seniors. The Department provides services through more than 120 programs at more than 20 locations. With over 2,000 employees, the Department of Health and Human Services is the largest County Department. As a Department, we believe health and wellness of the county can only be achieved by ensuring that every resident has fair opportunities to reach their fullest potential. This means access to quality housing, transportation, education, employment, health care, human services, safe neighborhoods, and healthy food. HHS provides critical services for residents who face a variety of obstacles in achieving their full potential. HHS plays an essential role in building a healthy and strong community. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Eligibility and Support Services (OESS) is recruiting for a Term Government Assistance Eligibility Specialist I (GAES I) position to work Health Care Eligibility Units. What You'll Be Doing The Term GAES I will work at the entry-developmental level in determining eligibility of County residents for various programs that assist individuals, families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities needing financial and/or medical assistance and other support services. The Term GAES I will receive formal and on-the-job training in income assistance eligibility procedures, while performing duties of limited scope intended to introduce them to the field. They receive assignments of gradually increasing complexity until they become fully proficient in all aspects of eligibility determination and interpersonal relations. The Term GAES I works with applicants, their families, and/or their representatives; professional social service and related staffs within the department, in State and Federal agencies, other counties, community social service agencies, and service providers to obtain or verify information, resolve problems, coordinate actions regarding eligibility determinations, or refer people and cases to other service units or agencies. After successful completion of a training cohort, a Term GAES I will work under the direct supervision of a unit supervisor. Work is subject to specific County, State and Federal guidelines and regulations. Incumbents work in an environment that values quality customer service and treats all populations with respect and dignity. Positions may require flexible work hours to provide service at various locations throughout Montgomery County and through teleworking. These positions will also be required to represent HHS in enrollment events or community outreach events to inform the public about the availability of HHS programs. This could require an adjusted work week to cover weekend or evenings. Programs: Family Investment/Income Supports: determine initial and ongoing eligibility for Income Support Programs, including Temporary Cash Assistance, Temporary Disability Assistance Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), Public Assistance to Adults, and Medical Assistance; conduct and complete initial interviews, process cases, authorize benefits, make necessary referrals to other services and programs and maintain an ongoing caseload to meet all established requirements. Child Care Subsidy (Working Parents Assistance) Program: determine initial and ongoing eligibility for the Working Parents' Assistance Program. Maryland Health Connection and County Health Services: In this role you will assist Maryland residents in applying or renewing health coverage through Maryland Health Connection, the state's official health insurance marketplace. Your primary responsibility will be to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Maryland Children's Health Program and Expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and other insurance affordability programs, ensuring that individuals and families receive the health coverage they need. Medical Assistance (Long-term Care):covers a portion of the cost of care in long-term care facilities, for aged, blind or disabled persons whose available income is insufficient to meet the entire cost. Other medical services are also covered. The position requires an understanding of financial statements. The selected candidates must successfully complete a medical evaluation and drug/alcohol screen prior to appointment. Minimum Qualifications Experience: None. Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree. Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
*Experience to be considered: human service eligibility determination, direct customer service functions such as completing interviews, addressing and resolving customer issues. Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences There are no preferred criteria. All applicants will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. We will use
interview preference
criteria
:
Experience working with computer applications and navigating databases Experience working with and providing customer service to include problem resolution Knowledge of Public Assistance Programs Oral and Written Communications
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at Hiring@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.
Montgomery County Ethics Law : Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website. Leave Benefits
Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement Benefits
All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness
Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit Benefit
County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care Costs
Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee Wellbeing
We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team.
Montgomery County Benefits 01
What is your highest level of completed education?
N/A High School/GED Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Juris Doctor Doctorate
02
How many years of experience do you possess in Government Assistance Eligibility Determination (determining eligibility for comparable governmental assistance programs)?
No Experience 1 Year Experience 2 Year's Experience 3 Year's Experience 4 Year's Experience 5 Year's Experience 6+ Year's Experience
03
Do you have experience with determining initial and ongoing eligibility for Income Support Programs, including Temporary Cash Assistance, Temporary Disability Assistance Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), Public Assistance to Adults, and Medical Assistance; conduct and complete initial interviews, process cases, authorize benefits, make necessary referrals to other services and programs and maintain an ongoing caseload to meet all established requirements?
Yes No
04
Do you have experience determining initial and ongoing eligibility for the Working Parents' Assistance Program?
Yes No
05
Do you have experience with working covering the cost of long-term care facilities, for aged, blind or disabled persons whose available income is insufficient to meet the entire cost. Other medical services are also covered?
Yes No
06
Explain your experience working with financial statements. Required Question
$59,897.00 - $94,134.00 Annually Location :
1401 Rockville Pike Rockville MD 20852 USA Job Type:
Term Remote Employment:
Flexible/Hybrid Job Number:
2025-00444 Department:
Department of Health and Human Services Division:
HHS 60 Office of Eligibility and Support Services Opening Date:
08/13/2025 Closing Date:
8/19/2025 11:59 PM Eastern FLSA:
Non-Exempt
About the Position This is a term position budgeted through 7/1/2026. Continued
employment
beyond this date is subject to extension of the term and is not guaranteed. The expected salary range for the Government Assistance Eligibility Specialist I, Grade 17, upon hire is $59,897.00 - $64,358.52. WHO WE ARE Montgomery County is located adjacent to Washington, D.C., and with over one million residents, is the most populous County in the State of Maryland. The County is also the most diverse County in the State and ranks among the top ten most diverse Counties in the nation. Montgomery County contains many major U.S. government offices, scientific research and learning centers, and business campuses. The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for delivery of the County's public health and human services that meet the needs of our community's most vulnerable children, adults and seniors. The Department provides services through more than 120 programs at more than 20 locations. With over 2,000 employees, the Department of Health and Human Services is the largest County Department. As a Department, we believe health and wellness of the county can only be achieved by ensuring that every resident has fair opportunities to reach their fullest potential. This means access to quality housing, transportation, education, employment, health care, human services, safe neighborhoods, and healthy food. HHS provides critical services for residents who face a variety of obstacles in achieving their full potential. HHS plays an essential role in building a healthy and strong community. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Eligibility and Support Services (OESS) is recruiting for a Term Government Assistance Eligibility Specialist I (GAES I) position to work Health Care Eligibility Units. What You'll Be Doing The Term GAES I will work at the entry-developmental level in determining eligibility of County residents for various programs that assist individuals, families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities needing financial and/or medical assistance and other support services. The Term GAES I will receive formal and on-the-job training in income assistance eligibility procedures, while performing duties of limited scope intended to introduce them to the field. They receive assignments of gradually increasing complexity until they become fully proficient in all aspects of eligibility determination and interpersonal relations. The Term GAES I works with applicants, their families, and/or their representatives; professional social service and related staffs within the department, in State and Federal agencies, other counties, community social service agencies, and service providers to obtain or verify information, resolve problems, coordinate actions regarding eligibility determinations, or refer people and cases to other service units or agencies. After successful completion of a training cohort, a Term GAES I will work under the direct supervision of a unit supervisor. Work is subject to specific County, State and Federal guidelines and regulations. Incumbents work in an environment that values quality customer service and treats all populations with respect and dignity. Positions may require flexible work hours to provide service at various locations throughout Montgomery County and through teleworking. These positions will also be required to represent HHS in enrollment events or community outreach events to inform the public about the availability of HHS programs. This could require an adjusted work week to cover weekend or evenings. Programs: Family Investment/Income Supports: determine initial and ongoing eligibility for Income Support Programs, including Temporary Cash Assistance, Temporary Disability Assistance Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), Public Assistance to Adults, and Medical Assistance; conduct and complete initial interviews, process cases, authorize benefits, make necessary referrals to other services and programs and maintain an ongoing caseload to meet all established requirements. Child Care Subsidy (Working Parents Assistance) Program: determine initial and ongoing eligibility for the Working Parents' Assistance Program. Maryland Health Connection and County Health Services: In this role you will assist Maryland residents in applying or renewing health coverage through Maryland Health Connection, the state's official health insurance marketplace. Your primary responsibility will be to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Maryland Children's Health Program and Expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and other insurance affordability programs, ensuring that individuals and families receive the health coverage they need. Medical Assistance (Long-term Care):covers a portion of the cost of care in long-term care facilities, for aged, blind or disabled persons whose available income is insufficient to meet the entire cost. Other medical services are also covered. The position requires an understanding of financial statements. The selected candidates must successfully complete a medical evaluation and drug/alcohol screen prior to appointment. Minimum Qualifications Experience: None. Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree. Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
*Experience to be considered: human service eligibility determination, direct customer service functions such as completing interviews, addressing and resolving customer issues. Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences There are no preferred criteria. All applicants will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. We will use
interview preference
criteria
:
Experience working with computer applications and navigating databases Experience working with and providing customer service to include problem resolution Knowledge of Public Assistance Programs Oral and Written Communications
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at Hiring@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.
Montgomery County Ethics Law : Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website. Leave Benefits
Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement Benefits
All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness
Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit Benefit
County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care Costs
Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee Wellbeing
We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team.
Montgomery County Benefits 01
What is your highest level of completed education?
N/A High School/GED Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Juris Doctor Doctorate
02
How many years of experience do you possess in Government Assistance Eligibility Determination (determining eligibility for comparable governmental assistance programs)?
No Experience 1 Year Experience 2 Year's Experience 3 Year's Experience 4 Year's Experience 5 Year's Experience 6+ Year's Experience
03
Do you have experience with determining initial and ongoing eligibility for Income Support Programs, including Temporary Cash Assistance, Temporary Disability Assistance Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), Public Assistance to Adults, and Medical Assistance; conduct and complete initial interviews, process cases, authorize benefits, make necessary referrals to other services and programs and maintain an ongoing caseload to meet all established requirements?
Yes No
04
Do you have experience determining initial and ongoing eligibility for the Working Parents' Assistance Program?
Yes No
05
Do you have experience with working covering the cost of long-term care facilities, for aged, blind or disabled persons whose available income is insufficient to meet the entire cost. Other medical services are also covered?
Yes No
06
Explain your experience working with financial statements. Required Question