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Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs

Nature of the Work About this section

Eligibility interviewers, government programs interview applicants for government services and determine if they qualify for government assistance, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, Social Security benefits, and public housing. They prepare case files, determine the appropriate amount of payment, and follow up with recipients to determine their eligibility for services after a certain period.

Education and Training About this section

Most employees are trained on the job and learn from more-experienced workers. Good interpersonal and communication skills and organizational ability are needed for this job.

Job Outlook About this section

Current and Projected Employment.

2008 Employment 119,500
2018 Employment 130,500
Employment Change 11,000
Growth Rate 9%

Employment change. Employment is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. The increase in the number of retiring baby boomers becoming eligible for Social Security and other government entitlement programs will be the main cause of growth in this occupation. However, automation should reduce employment growth for some eligibility interviewers, as more government programs allow people to apply for assistance online.

Job prospects. Job opportunities are expected to be favorable. Prospects will be best for those with a broad range of job skills, such as good customer service, math, and telephone skills.

Earnings About this section

Median annual wages for eligibility interviewers, government programs were $39,310 in May 2008.

Bill and account collectors; Customer service representatives; Procurement clerks; Social workers.

Sources of Additional Information About this section


Disclaimer:

Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Local and State Government employment offices.

O*NET-SOC Code Coverage About this section

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Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos339.htm (visited February 10, 2012).

 

Last Modified Date: December 17, 2009