Government Benefits Interviewers

Career summary

#no matching wois description, checked 2/17/15 lh

Government benefits interviewers explain what government help is available to people who request it. They explain how to qualify for various programs. These include programs such as:

• Food stamps
• Housing
• Medical assistance
• Unemployment benefits
• Welfare

Interviewers answer questions about how to apply for benefits. They help applicants complete forms. In some cases, they may use the native language of applicants or interpreters to communicate.

When the forms are complete, interviewers review them. They look over personal and financial information to determine if applicants meet the criteria to receive assistance. Interviewers may verify the information. In addition, interviewers interpret and explain rules to applicants. They also explain the applicants' legal rights.

Interviewers deny or end eligibility if applicants do not qualify. They may schedule an interview for applicants to appeal the decision.

If clients qualify, interviewers authorize the amount of assistance. This may include grants, money, food stamps, medical care, or other assistance. Interviewers talk to people periodically to certify that they are still eligible for benefits. They refer people who receive unemployment benefits to job openings or to interviews with other staff.

Interviewers who work for housing programs refer people to public assistance or housing agencies. They figure out the amount of rent for public housing in proportion to the tenants' income. In addition, interviewers receive and record security deposits and rents from tenants. They may also conduct housing reviews and home visits to ensure rules are being followed.

Government benefits interviewers:

• Prepare reports
• Keep records
• Give recommendations
• Review forms and vouchers for completion and accuracy

Related careers

This career is part of the Government and Public Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Brokerage Clerks
• Customer Service Representatives
• Executive Secretaries
• Human Resources Assistants
• Human Resources Specialists
• Interviewing Clerks
• Medical Secretaries
• New Accounts Clerks
• Paralegals
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Tax Examiners

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to government benefits interviewers.

• Explain what assistance is available and what is needed to qualify.
• Answer questions about procedures.
• Help people fill out forms. May use an interpreter or speak the applicant's language.
• Record and evaluate personal and financial information. Determine if applicants meet criteria to receive assistance.
• Review forms and vouchers.
• Interview people who apply for public assistance to get information.
• Interpret and explain rules and regulations.
• Start the procedures to approve, change, deny, or end eligibility.
• Schedule interview for appeal of an eligibility decision.
• Compute and authorize payments.
• Interview people periodically to make sure that they continue to be eligible for benefits.
• Refer job applicants to job openings or to interviews with other staff.
• Refer people to public assistance or housing agencies.
• Receive and record security deposits and rents from tenants.
• Conduct housing reviews and home visits.
• Prepare reports, keep records, and give recommendations.

Common work activities

Government benefits interviewers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Use computers
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Perform for or work with the public
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Evaluate information against standards
• Process information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Document and record information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Analyze data or information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform administrative tasks
• Assist and care for others
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Schedule work and activities
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, government benefits interviewers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They work closely with applicants and coworkers.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, letters, memos, and in person on a daily basis.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations when applicants are turned down.
• Must sometimes deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous people.
• May work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors.
• May share office space with others.
• May work where the noise levels can be distracting.

Work performance

• Repeat the same tasks over and over.
• Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could keep applicants from receiving enough benefits.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that greatly impact members of the public.
• Make some, but not all, of their decisions without consulting a supervisor first.
• Set some of their daily tasks and goals independently. They usually consult a superior first, however.
• Must meet strict daily and weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours per week. Schedules are typically established.
• May travel locally to visit housing units, if working for public housing agencies.

Physical demands

Government benefits interviewers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for government benefits interviewers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for government benefits interviewers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

Skills and abilities

Government benefits interviewers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Community Services
• Human Services

Other programs of study to consider

• American Sign Language
• Family Resource Management
• Family Studies and Human Development
• Second Language, General
• Social Sciences, General

Training

To work as a government benefits interviewer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

The education requirements vary by agency. In some cases, you may qualify with only a high school diploma. However, many employers prefer applicants who have an associate degree. Some require applicants to have a bachelor's degree. Majors in sociology, social work, or other related areas are favored. The ability to speak a language other than English can be helpful.

Work experience

Work experience in clerical or community service jobs is best. Civil service positions often require passing a written exam.

On-the-job training

Government benefits interviewers receive training after they are hired. This may be in a classroom setting, on the job, or both. You study eligibility rules, work procedures, and interviewing techniques. A trainer or supervisor closely checks your work and guides you through the process. You work on a small number of cases at first. As you gain experience, your caseload increases. Typically, on-the-job training lasts up to one year.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Foreign Language
• Legal System
• World Cultures

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require some education after high school. Some may also require related work experience.

Employers look for people who are compassionate, detail-oriented, and organized. They also look for people with good communication skills.

Costs to workers

Workers who chose to join professional associations may need to pay membership fees and annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The interviewer's level of education and responsibility also affect wages.

Government benefits interviewers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• State and local government agencies

National outlook

Demand is expected to grow about as fast as average for this occupation. Many people will soon become eligible for Social Security and Medicare which will increase demand. However, budget cuts in government may slow some growth.

Job openings will occur as people retire. Job prospects will be best for those with a bachelor's degree and experience.

Other resources

American Public Human Services Association 
1101 Wilson Boulevard, 6th Floor
Arlington, VA 22209
202.682.0100

National Association of the Deaf 
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.587.1789 (TTY)
301.587.1788 (Voice)

References

Career cluster

• Government and Public Administration

Career path

• Social

O*Net  occupation

• Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs (43-4061.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Contact Representative (169.167-018) 
• Eligibility Worker (195.267-010) 
• Eligibility-and-occupancy Interviewer (168.267-038) 
• Employment-and-claims Aide (169.367-010) 
• Patient-resources-and-reimbursement Agent (195.267-018) 
• Rehabilitation Clerk (205.367-046) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Social/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Clerical