Waiver Services Specialist - State of Nebraska : Job Details

The work we do matters!Hiring Agency:Health & Human Services - Agency 25Location: Omaha, NEHiring Rate:$22.430Job Posting:JR2025-#######7 Waiver Services Specialist (Evergreen) (Open)Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):09-15-2025Job Description:Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in people's lives?Do you want your work to have a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities across Nebraska?Join the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as a Waiver Services Specialist-a vital role dedicated to helping Nebraskans access services that support independent, dignified, and empowered living.About the Role:As a Waiver Services Specialist in the Eligibility and Enrollment (E&E) Unit of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, you'll work at the intersection of compassion and efficiency. Your primary mission will be to evaluate, assess, and determine eligibility for Nebraska's Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, including:•Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver•Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver•Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) WaiverThese programs support individuals with disabilities, children with special health care needs, and older adults assuring they receive the services they need to live life on their own terms.What We Offer:156% state-matched retirement contribution13 paid holidaysGenerous leave benefitsTuition reimbursementPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)79% employer-paid health insuranceDental and vision coverageEmployer-paid $20,000 life insuranceCareer growth opportunitiesWhat you will do as Waiver Services Specialist: Evaluate Documentation: Review applicant records and supporting documentation efficiently and accurately to determine eligibility for waiver services in a dynamic setting.Conduct Assessments: Administer initial and renewal Level of Care (LOC) assessments with precision and empathy, maintaining efficiency in a high-volume environment.Determine Eligibility: Make informed, timely eligibility decisions for Aged and Disabled, Developmental Disabilities, and Traumatic Brain Injury waivers, ensuring fairness and compliance with state and federal guidelines.Support Appeals and Resolutions: Communicate clearly and confidently during dispute resolutions and appeal hearings, representing the Eligibility & Enrollment Unit with empathy and professionalism.Maintain Service Integrity: Deliver transparent, reliable service that upholds state and federal guidelines, even in a high-demand, results-oriented environment.Requirements/Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and professional experience in: human services, education or health/medical; long-term care, gerontology, rehabilitation, health/disability case management, or children with special health care needs.Preferred Qualifications: Professional experience in healthcare, long term care, gerontology, rehabilitation, health/medical disability case management, children with special health care needs, or completing assessments. Knowledge of medical terminology and concepts.Other: Must have a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation. State vehicles may be available based on office location.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of: Medicaid waiver guidelines, Level of Care (LOC) criteria, and community-based care practices.Effectively managing eligibility determination processes and connecting individuals to critical supports with efficiency and accuracy in a responsive environment.Proficiency in computer systems for documentation, data management, and secure record-keeping in high-volume environments.Ability to:Assess applicant needs accurately and document findings with clarity.Communicate professionally with applicants, families, and partners, ensuring understanding of requirements and next steps.Build trusting relationships with individuals, families, and community partners to support transparent communication and effective eligibility determination.Evaluate assessments and make informed decisions that align with eligibility standards.Provide technical assistance and guidance to clients and service providers.Manage data and documentation efficiently within computer tracking systems to meet operational demands.Maintain awareness of area-specific trends, territories, and processes to improve efficiency and execution of eligibility determinations in a high-volume environment.Skill in:Active listening and effective questioning to gather critical information.Interviewing techniques that clarify complex eligibility requirements.Identifying strengths and needs to make confident, person-centered determinations.Demonstrating empathy, respect, and professionalism in all interactions.Applying critical thinking to solve challenges and streamline access to services.BenefitsWe offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: Opportunity StatementThe State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.