Tennessee Department of Human Services
ELIGIBILITY COUNSELOR 1* - 12232025-73753
Tennessee Department of Human Services, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Eligibility Counselor 1* - 12232025-73753
Apply for the Eligibility Counselor 1* position (Job #12232025-73753) at the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Job Information State of Tennessee – Opening Date: 12/23/2025 12:00AM Central Time Closing Date: 01/12/2026 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly): $3,229.00 - $4,041.00 Salary (Annual): $38,748.00 - $48,492.00
Job Type: Full-Time Location: Kingsport, TN (Department of Human Services, Adult and Family Services Division, Sullivan County) Position is on-site and requires a criminal background check.
For more information, visit the link below: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/HRC0017128_EC1_Sullivan_11226.pdf
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree. Substitution of qualifying full-time professional eligibility determination experience and/or a combination of para-professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Or: Two years full-time para-professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor in this capacity.
Special Qualifications: Complete a criminal history disclosure form; agree to release all records involving criminal history to the appointing authority; supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records clerk.
Overview This classification performs eligibility determination work of average difficulty. The incumbent is customer-facing and interview customers to determine eligibility for SNAP and TANF programs. The role differs from the Eligibility Counselor 2 in that the incumbent remains at a learning level under direct supervision until completion of a mandatory one‑year training period, after which reclassification to Eligibility Counselor 2 occurs.
Responsibilities
Manage a workload of initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for SNAP and TANF programs, interviewing customers by phone or in person.
Provide case management for initial eligibility, ongoing eligibility, and customer changes to assess impact on continued eligibility.
Calculate monthly income and expenses, ensure accurate budgeting, and document information using a computerized case record and/or paper case files.
Verify and utilize data from customers and electronic systems to ensure accurate receipt of entitled benefits while maintaining confidentiality.
Assist customers with the application process and scheduling appointments.
Review and interpret program policy, explain eligibility and ongoing responsibilities for programs/services to ensure customer understanding.
Assess customers' strengths and goals, identify available benefits and services, and make referrals as appropriate.
Develop and maintain partnerships with vendors and outside organizations to promote programs, identify services, and meet customer needs.
Competencies (KSA's)
Tech Savvy
Decision Quality
Optimizes Work Processes
Communicates Effectively
Instills Trust
Knowledge
Customer and Personal Language
English Language
Skills
Mathematics
Active Learning and Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Time Management
Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Problem Sensitivity
Written Comprehension
Tools & Equipment
General Office Equipment
Computer/Laptop/Tablet
Multifunctional Printer (Print/Scan/Fax/Copy)
Calculator
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Job Information State of Tennessee – Opening Date: 12/23/2025 12:00AM Central Time Closing Date: 01/12/2026 11:59PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly): $3,229.00 - $4,041.00 Salary (Annual): $38,748.00 - $48,492.00
Job Type: Full-Time Location: Kingsport, TN (Department of Human Services, Adult and Family Services Division, Sullivan County) Position is on-site and requires a criminal background check.
For more information, visit the link below: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/HRC0017128_EC1_Sullivan_11226.pdf
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree. Substitution of qualifying full-time professional eligibility determination experience and/or a combination of para-professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor serving in this capacity for the Department of Human Services may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Or: Two years full-time para-professional experience as an Eligibility Assistant or a State contractor in this capacity.
Special Qualifications: Complete a criminal history disclosure form; agree to release all records involving criminal history to the appointing authority; supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records clerk.
Overview This classification performs eligibility determination work of average difficulty. The incumbent is customer-facing and interview customers to determine eligibility for SNAP and TANF programs. The role differs from the Eligibility Counselor 2 in that the incumbent remains at a learning level under direct supervision until completion of a mandatory one‑year training period, after which reclassification to Eligibility Counselor 2 occurs.
Responsibilities
Manage a workload of initial and ongoing eligibility determinations for SNAP and TANF programs, interviewing customers by phone or in person.
Provide case management for initial eligibility, ongoing eligibility, and customer changes to assess impact on continued eligibility.
Calculate monthly income and expenses, ensure accurate budgeting, and document information using a computerized case record and/or paper case files.
Verify and utilize data from customers and electronic systems to ensure accurate receipt of entitled benefits while maintaining confidentiality.
Assist customers with the application process and scheduling appointments.
Review and interpret program policy, explain eligibility and ongoing responsibilities for programs/services to ensure customer understanding.
Assess customers' strengths and goals, identify available benefits and services, and make referrals as appropriate.
Develop and maintain partnerships with vendors and outside organizations to promote programs, identify services, and meet customer needs.
Competencies (KSA's)
Tech Savvy
Decision Quality
Optimizes Work Processes
Communicates Effectively
Instills Trust
Knowledge
Customer and Personal Language
English Language
Skills
Mathematics
Active Learning and Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Time Management
Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Problem Sensitivity
Written Comprehension
Tools & Equipment
General Office Equipment
Computer/Laptop/Tablet
Multifunctional Printer (Print/Scan/Fax/Copy)
Calculator
#J-18808-Ljbffr