Full Time Eligibility Worker

POSITION SUMMARY: The Eligibility Worker is responsible to perform a variety of tasks related to the determination of eligibility for income maintenance programs. This position must determine eligibility of clients for federal and state public assistance, while providing high-quality customer service. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Other duties as assigned or apparent. ENTRY Hourly Wage Range is \$23.60 to \$26.46, DOQ. Position has a full earning potential of up to \$33.26 perhour, DOQ. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
• Attends and testifies at appeal hearings.
• Travel to Sleepy Eye and Springfield satellite outreach offices monthly on a rotating worker basis.
• Calculates Reimbursement amounts for cost effective reimbursements and Medicare premiums.
• Exhibits strong communication and analytical skills to understand and explain complex program rules.
• Provides information regarding programs and community resources. Determines and explains eligibility for all income maintenance programs.
• Diffuses consumers who may be angry, hostile, verbally or physically aggressive.
• Approves ongoing eligibility through monthly household report forms, six-month and annual reviews, recipient reports, and collateral contact to ensure continuation of accurate benefits. Multiple county and state computer systems are used for this process.
• Responds to consumer complaints and inform consumers of their appeal and other legal rights.
• Successful cooperation with multiple internal and external providers to assist consumers with initial and ongoing program eligibility.
• Educates consumers regarding program requirements, expectations, and benefits.
• Remains objective, protects client confidentiality and complies with data privacy rules.
• Participates in continuing education and training offered by the Department of Human Services and collaborative agencies or groups. Stays up-to-date and adheres to procedural changes regarding program determination.
• Calculates asset evaluations for couples when one spouse enters a Long-Term Care Facility or requests Elderly Waiver Services.
• Interviews applicants to determine eligibility for food support, cash, health care, and emergency programs.
• Explains rights and responsibilities and serves as central point of communication.
• Refers individuals to available resources within and outside the county agency as appropriate.