Program Specialist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Arkansas
Program specialist roles in Arkansas are concentrated in Little Rock, where state agencies, nonprofits, and healthcare systems like Arkansas Children's and Baptist Health regularly hire for these positions. Federal installations and the University of Arkansas system also generate demand. Employers in Arkansas do sponsor visas for qualified program specialists, particularly through H-1B visa and TN visa pathways.
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Get Access To All JobsDate: Jul 29, 2026
Req ID: 58862
Location:
Sheridan, AR, US, 72150
Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Anticipated Starting Salary: $47,396.96
Position Number: 22111913
County: Grant
Posting End Date: August 4, 2026
The DHS Program Eligibility Specialist I works under general supervision and is responsible for determining client eligibility, obtaining client information, coordinating services with providers, and preparing information and recommendations. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy including Fair Labor Standards Act.
Preferred Qualifications:
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Qualifications Review Committee.
The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.
Job Series: Program Eligibility – Career Path
Classification: Program Eligibility Specialist I
Class Code: PPE02P
Pay Grade: SGS05
Salary Range: $47,397 - $70,148
Job Summary
The Program Eligibility Specialist I is an entry-level position responsible for reviewing applications, verifying information, and determining eligibility for state-administered programs. This role requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, proficiency in computer keyboarding, strong verbal and written communication skills, and customer service abilities to ensure applicants receive timely and accurate determinations.
Primary Responsibilities
- Review and process applications for state assistance programs in compliance with established policies.
- Verify applicant information, including income, assets, residency, and household composition.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records to support eligibility decisions.
- Ensure timely application processing and follow-up with applicants to gather required documentation.
- Assist in monitoring ongoing eligibility and renewal processes for program participants.
- Provide clear and professional communication to applicants regarding eligibility requirements, application status, and program benefits.
- Assist clients in completing forms and gathering necessary documentation.
- Respond to inquiries and resolve concerns related to eligibility and program participation.
- Educate applicants on available resources and services to support their needs.
- Ensure adherence to state and federal regulations in eligibility determinations.
- Identify potential discrepancies or inconsistencies in applications and escalate cases when needed.
- Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive applicant data in accordance with state privacy laws.
- Prepare reports and summaries as needed for internal review and audits.
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to assess applicant information and apply program guidelines accurately.
- Strong attention to detail in reviewing documents and entering data.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications and case management systems.
- Ability to explain complex policies to applicants in an understandable manner.
- Ability to prepare, present, and review oral and written information and reports.
- Capacity to prioritize tasks, handle multiple cases, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to analyze application issues and determine solutions.
Minimum Qualifications
At least one year of experience in customer service, administrative support, case processing, or a related field.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Licensure/Certifications
N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Date: Jul 29, 2026
Req ID: 58862
Location:
Sheridan, AR, US, 72150
Category: AR DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Anticipated Starting Salary: $47,396.96
Position Number: 22111913
County: Grant
Posting End Date: August 4, 2026
The DHS Program Eligibility Specialist I works under general supervision and is responsible for determining client eligibility, obtaining client information, coordinating services with providers, and preparing information and recommendations. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy including Fair Labor Standards Act.
Preferred Qualifications:
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or related field. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Qualifications Review Committee.
The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.
Job Series: Program Eligibility – Career Path
Classification: Program Eligibility Specialist I
Class Code: PPE02P
Pay Grade: SGS05
Salary Range: $47,397 - $70,148
Job Summary
The Program Eligibility Specialist I is an entry-level position responsible for reviewing applications, verifying information, and determining eligibility for state-administered programs. This role requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, proficiency in computer keyboarding, strong verbal and written communication skills, and customer service abilities to ensure applicants receive timely and accurate determinations.
Primary Responsibilities
- Review and process applications for state assistance programs in compliance with established policies.
- Verify applicant information, including income, assets, residency, and household composition.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records to support eligibility decisions.
- Ensure timely application processing and follow-up with applicants to gather required documentation.
- Assist in monitoring ongoing eligibility and renewal processes for program participants.
- Provide clear and professional communication to applicants regarding eligibility requirements, application status, and program benefits.
- Assist clients in completing forms and gathering necessary documentation.
- Respond to inquiries and resolve concerns related to eligibility and program participation.
- Educate applicants on available resources and services to support their needs.
- Ensure adherence to state and federal regulations in eligibility determinations.
- Identify potential discrepancies or inconsistencies in applications and escalate cases when needed.
- Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive applicant data in accordance with state privacy laws.
- Prepare reports and summaries as needed for internal review and audits.
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to assess applicant information and apply program guidelines accurately.
- Strong attention to detail in reviewing documents and entering data.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications and case management systems.
- Ability to explain complex policies to applicants in an understandable manner.
- Ability to prepare, present, and review oral and written information and reports.
- Capacity to prioritize tasks, handle multiple cases, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to analyze application issues and determine solutions.
Minimum Qualifications
At least one year of experience in customer service, administrative support, case processing, or a related field.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Licensure/Certifications
N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Program Specialist Job Roles in Arkansas
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Search Program Specialist Jobs in ArkansasProgram Specialist Jobs in Arkansas: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for program specialists in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, visa sponsorship for program specialists comes from a mix of large employers and institutions. Walmart's corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Baptist Health, and the University of Arkansas system have all appeared in Department of Labor LCA filings for similar roles. State government contractors and federally funded nonprofits based in Little Rock also sponsor program specialists with some regularity.
Which visa types are most common for program specialist roles in Arkansas?
The H-1B is the most common visa for program specialists in Arkansas, as the role typically requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field, meeting the specialty occupation standard. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify for TN status if the role aligns with an eligible TN occupation category. Some positions at universities or research institutions may also support J-1 visa or O-1 visa classifications depending on the candidate's background.
Which cities in Arkansas have the most program specialist sponsorship jobs?
Little Rock is the primary hub for program specialist roles in Arkansas, given its concentration of state agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and federal contractors. Fayetteville and Bentonville in Northwest Arkansas are growing markets, driven by Walmart's supply chain ecosystem and the University of Arkansas. Conway and Jonesboro see smaller but consistent demand, largely tied to healthcare and regional university campuses.
How to find program specialist visa sponsorship jobs in Arkansas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters program specialist roles in Arkansas by visa sponsorship history, so you're not sorting through listings from employers unlikely to sponsor. Because many Arkansas employers don't advertise sponsorship upfront, using a platform like Migrate Mate that cross-references Department of Labor data helps surface employers that have sponsored similar roles before.
Are there any state-specific considerations for program specialists seeking sponsorship in Arkansas?
Arkansas is not a major H-1B filing hub compared to states like Texas or California, which means competition among international candidates for available sponsoring employers can look different here. Roles tied to federally funded programs, Medicaid administration, or university research tend to have more established sponsorship processes. The University of Arkansas system and its affiliated medical centers represent a reliable pipeline, as academic institutions are generally more familiar with sponsoring foreign national employees.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored program specialist jobs in Arkansas?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.