Eligibility Specialist Jobs

This position determines eligibility of State and Federal public assistance programs in Sherburne County and provides case management by assisting individuals and families in re-establishing and maintaining stability, self-sufficiency, and independence; by providing services and information on programs available, community resources to enhance people's economic, physical and emotional health; and to meet basic needs for individuals, families, children, elderly and disabled clients.

These examples of typical duties do not include all possible tasks for this classification and do not limit the assignment of related tasks. Regular attendance according to the department's approved work schedule is required for all Sherburne County positions.

Intake and Eligibility Determinations:
Determine initial eligibility and continuing eligibility for public assistance programs by conducting in-person interviews; collecting and analyzing factual and sensitive data; verifying income, assets, household composition and other eligibility criteria as mandated by the Federal, State and County rules and regulations.
Ongoing Case Management:
Act on client information received via phone calls, correspondence, and computer interfaces regarding ongoing eligibility. All work must be prioritized by daily, weekly, and monthly duties to coincide with deadlines established by state programs while remaining flexible for client appointments and emergencies.

Education and Experience**: High School Diploma/GED and successful completion of the MN State College Public Welfare Financial Worker program plus 1 year of clerical experience or experience working directly with the public.

High School Diploma/GED and 3 – 5 years of experience working with the public in a customer service-related field or equivalent education plus work experience.

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications: Paid work experience working with public assistance programs within a city, county, state, or federal human services department; using the state MAXIS and/or METS software system(s). Knowledge or experience processing SNAP, Family Cash Programs, Adult Cash programs, CCAP and Medical Assistance. Extensive experience in a high-volume customer service environment also preferred.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to interpret complex rules and policies as they apply to programs.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of Federal and State structure, rules and policies governing Income Maintenance Programs.
• Ability to analyze problems and assist in establishing procedures for their resolution.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to make objective decisions.

• Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
• Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
• Informs immediate supervisor of all-important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
• Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's vision, mission, and values.
• Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.
• Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and county-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.

• May include some offsite work for community outreach.
• The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 100% of the time indoors.
• Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury in the office. Office visits may expose employee to unsanitary conditions, communicable illnesses, infrequent exposure to health hazards, unpredictable and/or unsafe environments.
• Potential exposure to verbal abuse and threats from hostile, frustrated clients and may include unpredictable situations.

• Extensive computer and telephone use, repetitive and full range of motion.
• Extensive Computer Usage
• Must be able to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (15-25 pounds).

Sherburne County offers an exceptional benefit plan including Paid Time Off starting at 21 days per year and increasing to a maximum of 33 days per year; 10 paid holidays; benefit plan including health, life, dental, vision, short-term, and long-term disability, and long-term care insurance; medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts (Section 125 Plan); deferred compensation plan and Public Employees Retirement (PERA). Some benefits are pro-rated for employees working more than 30 but less than 40 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week do not receive benefits.