Eligibility Specialist Jobs

Are you passionate about making a difference and giving back to the community?

Then check out our opportunity to join our team of Eligibility Specialists!

Our Eligibility workers determine eligibility of State and Federal public assistance programs in Sherburne County and provide 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.

Our Mission: The mission of Sherburne County Health and Human Services (SCHHS) is to promote and protect the health, safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Sherburne County residents.

Our Vision: It is the intent of the organization to provide human service programs to the residents of Sherburne County, designed to protect and enhance the lives of vulnerable populations (such as the developmentally disabled, children in need of protective services, vulnerable adults, mentally ill, and others).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

OR

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.

**Long Term Care Eligibility Specialist requires other state certifications, as well.

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.

Supplemental Information

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees

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

Hiring Salary Range: $23.59 - $28.31 DOQ

Union: Teamsters

Hours of Work: This position has a usual work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include occasional evening and weekend hours.

Typical Working Environment:

• May include some offsite work for community outreach.
• 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.
• The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 100% of the time indoors.
• Potential exposure to verbal abuse and threats from hostile, frustrated clients and may include unpredictable situations.

Typical Physical Requirements for this Position:

• 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).

As a thriving organization fueled by people passionate about serving our community, Sherburne County strives to support and engage employees through investments in competitive compensation and equitable benefits; a culture that promotes physical and emotional wellbeing; opportunities for professional growth and a sense of honor and purpose.

Sherburne County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Group health and life insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• Optional dental and vision insurance
• Optional short-term and long-term disability and long-term care insurance
• Optional deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Optional medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts (Section 125 Plan)
• Public Employees Retirement (PERA)
• On-Site Employee Well@Work Clinic
• Optional Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Care Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Annual Paid Time Off accrual of 21 days to start, increasing up to a maximum of 33 days per year.

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.