ELIGIBILITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST IV, III
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Island of Oahu
Job Type
Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
DHS 26-02
Department
Human Services
Division
Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division
Opening Date
03/20/2026
Max Number of Applicants
35
Recruitment Information
Recruitment number DHS 26-02
THIS JOB POSTING WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 35 APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED. PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.
The immediate vacancies are with the State of Hawaii, Department of Human Services, Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division, Statewide Branch, Staff Development Office and are located in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
This is a multi-level recruitment. Qualified applicants at the III level will be referred for consideration only if there are insufficient qualified applicants at the IV level.
SALARY:
EPS III: $4,961 per month
EPS IV: $5,359 to $6,535 per month (SR-22 Step D to I)*
Note: *Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicants qualifications and other relevant factors.
The State Recruiting Office will refer all inquiries regarding this delegated position to the Department of Human Services, Human Resources Office.
Duties Summary
The Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) is the largest division in the Department of Human Services (DHS). Staff and administrators provide a continuum of services through programs that serve different populations. These programs provide clients with monthly benefits to assist them with such essentials as food, shelter, and child care, as well as employment support and work-training and dependency diversion and prevention.
The Staff Development Office (SDO) plans, develops, directs, implements, evaluates, contracts, and/or coordinates staff development and training programs for the divisions employees, including support staff, statewide in consonance with existing State laws, rules and regulations and departmental policies and procedures.
The Eligibility Program Specialists (EPS) in SDO serve as the primary program specialists for the training of BESSD staff in one or more of the following programs as assigned: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Financial Assistance Program (FAP), Employment and Training Program (E&T), Processing Center Clerical (PCC), Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payment system, other program specific systems and new departmental initiatives. In their primary responsibilities, these positions will carry out the planning, development, revision, evaluation and implementation of training as per their assigned functional responsibilities and/or categorical assistance programs.
EPS IV: Independently conducts and is responsible for all activities for their assigned major functions and programs as described above. The EPS IV is the fully independent, journey worker in the EPS class series.
EPS III: Assists a higher level program specialist by conducting assigned activities and/or by assisting in developing, clarifying, evaluating, and monitoring rules, regulations, and procedures for income maintenance functions and programs. The EPS III is the entry-level trainee in the EPS class series. An EPS III is expected to gain the knowledge and specialized experience necessary to progress to the EPS IV.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Basic Education/Experience Requirements
Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Education, Recreation, Human Services, Human Development, or a branch of science that deals with the institutions and functioning of human society or with the interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of society such as Psychology or Sociology.
Excess work experience as described under the Specialized Experience, below, or any other responsible administrative, professional or analytical work experience that provided knowledge, skills and abilities comparable to those acquired in four (4) years of successful study while completing a college or university curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree in the above majors may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. To be acceptable, the experience must have been of such scope, level and quality as to assure the possession of comparable knowledge, skills and abilities.
The education or experience background must also demonstrate the ability to write clear and comprehensive reports and other documents; read and interpret complex written material; and solve complex problems logically and systematically.
Experience Requirements
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience of the kind and quality described in the following paragraphs or any equivalent combination of training and experience:
General Experience: One and one-half (1 1/2) years of progressively responsible work experience which involved analyzing, interpreting or evaluating technical material; solving technical, managerial or administrative problems through the application of problem solving methods and techniques such as identifying the problem and pertinent causal factors, developing and evaluating alternative solutions, and recommending/implementing an appropriate course of action; and writing narrative reports in a clear and concise manner.
Specialized Experience: None required for Level III. Level IV requires one (1) year of specialized experience, as follows: progressively responsible professional work experience which demonstrated knowledge and application of laws, rules and regulations relative to *income maintenance. Such experience must have provided the applicant with knowledge of the principles and concepts of social welfare and government entitlement programs, governmental processes, and basic management principles as they relate to effective work organization and staff utilization.
Substitutions allowed:
Successful completion of all academic requirements for a Masters degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of the required General Experience.
Excess Specialized Experience may be substituted for the General Experience required on a month-for-month basis.
The information provided above represents a summary of the minimum qualification requirement (MQR) for the Eligibility Program Specialist IV and III. To view the MQR in its entirety, please click here.
Other Information
The State of Hawaii complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-586-4969 for assistance.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM
The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click here.
ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS
The Department of Human Services (DHS) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of resources and minimize delays and costs.
Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our email messages or fail to check your email account in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may not receive notifications about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature found in the Account Settings.
TESTING INFORMATION
The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is, therefore, important that your employment application provides a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.
In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process.
You are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible if interested in this position vacancy. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based on other factors, including the date your application was received.
Click here for additional information related to the State of Hawaii civil service recruitment, examination and employment processes.
Agency Information:
Department of Human Services (DHS)
1390 Miller Street, Room 202
Honolulu, HI 96813
Inquiries about this recruitment may be directed to:
DHS // Human Resources Office // Recruitment and Examination Staff
Phone: 808-586-4969
Email: asueoka@dhs.hawaii.gov
YOUR JOB BENEFITS WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII
The State of Hawaii offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur.
A summary of these benefits, which is based on full-time employment, is listed below.
Note: Benefits for NON-CIVIL SERVICE appointments will be provided by the hiring department at the time of interview.
With Civil Service modernization, effective July 1, 2002, employees appointed to temporary positions may also gain membership in the civil service upon satisfactory completion of an initial probation period of at least six months. As a temporary member of the civil service, you will be eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits afforded to members of the civil service, with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force of a permanent member of the civil service.
Paid Holidays
You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.
Paid Vacation
You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match - 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.
Paid Sick Leave
You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation - 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.
Other Leaves
Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights.
Health Insurance
The State pays a part of the premiums for each employees enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website www.eutf.hawaii.gov for coverage and options.
Group Life Insurance
The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.
Retirement Plan
The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to http://ers.ehawaii.gov.
Premium Conversion Plan
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
Transportation Benefits
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.
Deferred Compensation
The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.
Temporary Disability Insurance
Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
Social Security
As an employer, the State also contributes to an employees social security account.
Promotions & Transfers
For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch.
Training & Continuing Education
The State supports developmental activities related to an employees work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees.
Travel Expenses
The State may pay for certain business related travel expenses including mileage reimbursement for use of a personal car during work, airfare, meals and lodging expenses for trips to neighbor islands or out of state.
Incentive & Service Awards
The State has a program that recognizes employees for their years of service and provides cash awards for their superior accomplishments and other contributions that improve State operations.
Union & Collective Bargaining
Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employees job is excluded from collective bargaining.
The above information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available to State of Hawaii employees and is subject to change. Whether or not you are entitled to a particular benefit will depend on your specific appointment and employment status (included, excluded, exempt, non-exempt). Please refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or executive order and all applicable laws, rules, policies, or plan documents for further details. Nothing herein shall be deemed as creating an employment contract, promise of employment, promise of continued employment, or obligation of any kind on the part of the State of Hawaii.
CLICK HERE for more information on the State of Hawaiis Benefits At-A-Glance.
The State of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Revised 01/13
01
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the date of the application, unless otherwise specified.
Your possession of the required amount of experience will not, in and of itself, be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. The overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Our calculation of your experience will be based on a full-time, 40-hour work week. Part-time experience will be pro-rated. Hours worked in excess of 40 hours/week will not be given extra credit.
For example: 12 months of experience at 20 hours/week will be pro-rated to six months of experience. 12 months of experience at 60 hours/week will be credited as one year of experience.
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above.
02
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (Complete information and details)
A summary and link to the complete minimum qualification requirements are provided in this job announcement.
I acknowledge that I have accessed and read the complete minimum qualification requirements via the live link provided in this job announcement.
03
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS - BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:
Please indicate how you meet this requirement by selecting one of the following choices. Please refer to the minimum qualification requirements for more detailed information about the education requirements for the Eligibility Program Specialist class series.
04
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (Continued) - APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The education or experience background must also demonstrate the ability to write clear and comprehensive reports and other documents; read and interpret complex written material; and solve complex problems logically and systematically.
You must submit verification (e.g., copies of official transcripts or diploma) in order to receive credit for education. In general, proof of education downloaded from and/or submitted through the Internet will not be accepted. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.
If you wish to use excess work experience as described above to substitute for the education requirement, your application and/or supporting documents must describe in detail the work experience that provided the comparable knowledge, skills and abilities required. You must include your job title(s), dates the work was performed, number of hours worked per week, and a detailed description of the duties and responsibilities for each position you wish to be considered as a substitution for the appropriate bachelors degree. Creditable excess work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. To be acceptable the experience must have been of such scope, level, and quality to assure the possession of comparable knowledge, skills and abilities.
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above.
05
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
The response you provide to the following supplemental questions will be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements for the Eligibility Program Specialist IV, III classes of work. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected.
Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the supplemental questions.
I acknowledge and understand the above.
06
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS - QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE:
GENERAL EXPERIENCE - MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Progressively responsible work experience which involved analyzing, interpreting or evaluating technical materials; solving technical, managerial or administrative problems through the application of problem solving methods and techniques such as identifying the problem and pertinent causal factors, developing and evaluating alternative solutions, and recommending/implementing an appropriate course of action; and writing narrative reports in a clear and concise manner.
Do you have at least one (1) and one-half (1/2) years of General Experience as described in the minimum qualification requirements (via live link provided) and as described above?
If your answer is no, please indicate "N/A" in the space provided below.
if your answer is yes, please identify each experience you would like us to consider and provide the following information. Note: all employers listed below must also be listed on your application. Any information you provide may be verified. Treat each change in employer and/or position separately.
The information for each entry you wish to be considered should include:
A. Name of the employer and your job title.
B. Description of this employer, services provided, and clientele served.
C. What was the primary function of your position? What were your major duties and responsibilities?
D. What was the name, job tite, and general background of your supervisor?
E. How did your responsibilities and authority differ from those of your supervisor?
in your answers, please do not use acronyms without first defining what the acronym stands for.
07
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS - Along with other qualification requirements, the Eligibility Program Specialist IV requires a minimum of one (1) year of progressively responsible, professional work experience in the knowledge and application of laws, rules and regulations relative to income maintenance. Income maintenance programs provide public assistance in the form of food stamps or direct money payments to the poor, needy and/or disabled. Income maintenance includes various categorical assistance programs such as General Assistance (GA), Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Supplemental Security Income (SSI),Aid to Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD), Refugee Resettlement and Energy Assistance to Low Income Families. Do you possess the minimum one (1) year of this specialized experience? Please select one of the options below.
08
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS (CONTINUED) - Qualifying Experience
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
Specialized Experience: Progressively responsible professional work experience which demonstrated knowledge and application of laws, rules, and regulations relative to income maintenance. Such experience must have provided the applicant with knowledge of the governmental processes and basic management principles as they relate to effective work organization and staff utilization.
Do you have at least one (1) year of the specialized work experience described above?
If your answer is no, please indicate N/A in the space provided below.
If your answer is yes, please identify each experience you would like us to consider and provide the following information. Information you provide may be verified. Treat each change in employer and/or position separately.
The information should include:
A. Name of employer and your job title.
B. Description of this employer, services provided and clientele served.
C. What was the primary function of your position? What were your major duties and responsibilities?
D. What was the name, job title, and general background of your supervisor?
E. How did your responsibilities and authority differ from those of your supervisor?
In your answers, please do not use acronyms without first defining what the acronym stands for.
09
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT -- In submitting your application and any/all supporting documents, you certify that the information provided here is complete, accurate, and true to the best of your knowledge. Any misstatement of facts provided during the application or selection process may result in corrective action, including termination from service. I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.
Required Question
Employer State of Hawaii
Address DHRD - Employee Staffing Division
235 S. Beretania Street, 11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813-2437
Phone 808-587-1111 or 1-877-447-5990 (TTY)