Eligibility workers are the people that clients or applicants see when they come to the human services office. Clients come to the office to apply for medical help, food stamps, or financial aid. The job of the eligibility worker is to interview such people. They examine the information provided by the client. Based on the rules and regulations. Eligibility workers decide which benefits the family is eligible for.
Then another part of the job is the continuing work. Every quarter, the clients send their documents. The eligibility worker looks at those documents and checks if the family circumstances have changed. They decide if the benefits should increase or decrease. An eligibility worker ensures that the funds reach the needy.
The Top 21 Interview Questions To Prepare Well
1. Tell us something about yourself.
Sample Answer
I completed a bachelor’s in ________ at _______. I worked hard in my college and got good grades. While studying at college, I used to tutor 11 and 12-grade students.
2. What were your responsibilities at your last job?
Sample Answer
I worked as a personal assistant and caregiver at Hospice care. My responsibilities were: providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to the patients and their families.
Care for individuals or families during the period of family disruption or convalescence. Help moving patients in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, or automobiles. Provide help with dressing and grooming.
3. Why do you want to work as an eligibility worker?
Sample Answer
Life is unpredictable. Anyone can have issues at some point in their life. I want to help clients at my best to get them the service they deserve. I like to solve people’s problems. I have experience working with people who need help. I was good at it. I connect with people and listen to them patiently.
4. What are the skills required for the job?
Sample Answer
- Listening actively – Paying close attention to what others are saying, taking time to understand what they’re saying, asking questions when necessary, and not interrupting at inopportune moments.
- Time management- Managing our time and respecting others’ time also.
- Comprehension – Understanding the documents provided by the client and government regulations.
- Good reading and writing skills
- Computer skills such as Microsoft office; excel, word, PowerPoint, Customer Service, Data Entry, Management, Typing.
5. How do you stay organized at work?
Sample Answer
Achievable objectives help in being focused and productive. I organize my job into more manageable tasks by setting clear goals with milestones and a timetable. I have a habit of making a weekly list of to-do tasks. Reviewing daily tasks in the morning helps in staying focused. I maintain a clean and tidy workspace. If the chore is beyond my level of expertise, I delegate it to others.
6. Are you aware of some programs run by the government for benefits and financial assistance?
Sample Answer
I know the government assists with food, housing, home energy, and childcare. SNAP ( Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is one such program. By availing of this benefit, low-income-eligible clients can buy food. There is a separate program to care for children’s healthcare insurance.
Unemployment benefits are given to persons who have registered as unemployed, and they are subject to stipulations requiring them to look for work.
7. Are you comfortable working in a team?
Sample Answer
I was a member of a team and appreciated the collaborative atmosphere. I’m also at ease working alone, which comes in handy when the task or project calls for it. Coming together to review our project status and ask/answer questions allows us to attain our individual and team objectives. People work in different ways, but it’s never been a problem. Although we may have different thoughts and beliefs, maintaining open communication and respecting each other’s viewpoints is critical to arriving at the best solution.
8. How can you help our organization?
Sample Answer
I believe the organization must benefit the needy to the greatest extent possible. I will manage the resources by following lawfulness and accountability. I will remain honest and open. I will make sure that Government resources are used effectively and efficiently, without waste, to maximize public benefit.
9. According to you, what can be the challenges of the job?
Sample Answer
Benefit programs are great for aiding others. But, they can attract people who would abuse the system. There might be people who would hide the facts. They may lie to the department. They might act in a certain way to gain sympathy. Judging such clients can get tricky.
On the other hand, it is an emotionally demanding job. This job requires dealing with human emotions and human problems every day. Sometimes it might be difficult not to take that to heart.
10. Have you worked with a diverse population in the past?
Sample Answer
Yes, I have worked with people of all nationalities and environments. It was interesting to know them and their stories. I am glad that I could help them in their difficult times.
11. Are you able to adapt to changes? What changes do you expect can happen?
Sample Answer
Yes, I am good at adapting to changes. I can expect some government policies to change due to politics and budget. Eligibility criteria to some programs might change. Relationships in the work environment don’t remain the same. At times employees or supervisors you work with change. Technology we work on might also change. As I expect change I am better prepared.
12. Can you work in a fast-paced environment?
Sample Answer
As I already mentioned, I worked as a caregiver in a fast-paced setting. It would require performing multiple tasks at once. There would be so many things happening at the same time. Maybe it is required to keep records, initiate grant, deny, or terminate assistance, on the same day. I think being organized in such situations always helps.
13. You decide that a client isn’t eligible for the aid. He becomes angry. How will you react?
Sample Answer
People can get angry if they don’t get what they expect. I would remain calm and acknowledge their distress. I will try to make them understand the rules and regulations.
I understand that I cannot make everyone happy. There will be some who are not okay with the verdict. Moving to the next client might help shift the mindset.
14. Are you willing to work overtime?
Sample Answer
I take my work seriously. I can work for extra hours if the job requires it. If there is a project which needs my time, I am willing to do that. However, I would not be able to do that more often. I am a family person with children. I have to fulfill their needs too. I can sometimes take work home if rules allow me to.
15. What were the difficulties at your last job?
Sample Answer
As I have already told you, I was working as a caregiver. The challenges I faced were:
- Sometimes it gets tough to manage time and get time for ourselves.
- It is an unpredictable work environment where you need to take prompt action.
- At times the patient gets too dependent on the caregiver.
- It is an emotionally demanding job but for sure is rewarding too.
16. What is the best thing that happened at your previous workplace?
Sample Answer
I was taking care of a woman whose leg got injured in a car accident. She was bedridden for months. I took her for an outing in a wheelchair when she got better.
She told me that her son lives in a nearby city. I contacted her son. She was delighted to meet him. He thanked me for taking care of her. I was happy to join them.
17. How do you feel about the client’s home visits?
Sample Answer
I am aware that people face a variety of problems. I might see a father abusing his child or filthy clothes and trash covering the ground in someone’s home–basically, situations that make it hard to conceive of someone enjoying a regular life. I can assure you that I will not become emotional or require the assistance of a psychotherapist. I understand at the end of the day, my job is to assist them. That’s what matters, and that’s what I will concentrate on during trips.
18. How do you deal with situations when clients find it hard to communicate with you?
Sample Answer
I will observe their body language and will make them feel comfortable. Maybe they are hiding something or are just nervous. I will tell you, we can only help if you express yourself clearly.
19. Are you aware of the Covid-19 protocols to be followed in the workplace?
Sample Answer
Yes, I am aware of the protocols. I am fully vaccinated. I know that we have to wear a face mask in the workplace.
We have to keep our distance while talking to anyone. Washing hands if exposed. I will make sure that the workplace is clean and hygienic.
20. Where do you see yourself after 5 years?
Sample Answer
I want to be someone who has learned a lot on the job and has gained experience. Has helped many people who deserve help. I would like to see myself promoted as Senior Eligibility Worker at the supervisor level.
21. Do you have any questions?
Sample Answer
Yes, I do have some questions regarding the job.
- When and where the job training will take place?
- How many hours of work is it per week?
- Do I have to conduct the home visits alone? or There will be some other employee who will accompany me?
References
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