Client Relations Specialist

Dakota County • West St. Paul, MN

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Client Relations Specialists assess Dakota County residents’ social, economic, and health-related needs to help ensure their basic needs, health, and well-being are met. They promote self-sufficiency by helping clients navigate County, State, and local systems and processes to obtain appropriate services. The position facilitates interdepartmental programs, processes, and communications, and works to minimize barriers to program eligibility for clients working with multiple departments. It serves as a liaison across departments and with providers and contracted agencies, helping clients navigate systems and meet eligibility requirements appropriately and in a timely manner.

This is a safety-sensitive position in the Employment and Economic Assistance Department. Work is primarily sedentary, with some walking and travel to community sites and clients’ homes for meetings and conferences. Staff begin working full-time in the office for training. After demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, the position may lead to a hybrid schedule. In-person work is at the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul, Minnesota; telework must be performed at a designated off-site location. The schedule is Monday through Friday during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of qualifying experience, or an associate’s degree and 4 years of qualifying experience, or a high school diploma or GED and 6 years of qualifying experience.
• Qualifying experience must include work as a financial worker, or a combination of financial worker experience and experience in public sector, human services, education/training, or the financial industry.
• At least one year of qualifying experience must have occurred in Minnesota within the past two years.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of and ability to demonstrate understanding and respect for the diversity of clients, staff, and coworkers.
• Knowledge of community resources and working knowledge of computer software and information systems.
• Extensive knowledge of economic assistance, social service, public health, and welfare programs and resources.
• Strong customer service, analytical, and emotional intelligence skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally, virtually, and in writing.
• Ability to assess social, economic, emotional, and health needs and complex life situations, and make related decisions and recommendations.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with the public, multiple departments, and County associates.
• Ability to create a respectful workplace that promotes equity and addresses the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
• Ability to work under stress and use discretion in decision-making.
• Ability to organize work efficiently, work independently and as a team member, and prioritize work according to client and agency needs.
• Ability to conduct research, analyze information, and coordinate work.
• Regular attendance according to the management-approved work schedule is required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and experience using MAXIS and MEC2.

Responsibilities

• Interview Dakota County residents by telephone, virtually, and/or in person to assess needs, gather information, and identify resources.
• Determine and redetermine clients’ service needs and potential eligibility for programs and community resources.
• Assist clients with applying for and maintaining benefits, and provide education and support regarding program services and benefits.
• Identify barriers, explore ways to mitigate their impact, and provide the best available services.
• Coordinate services with team members, interdepartmental staff, and external service providers.
• Advocate for clients within Dakota County and with external agencies.
• Represent the agency in internal and external workgroups and advisory committees; document work and prepare presentations.
• Support County-wide cultural diversity initiatives and address the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
• Train other staff on programs, work methods, and procedures.
• Assist management in evaluating the effectiveness of interdepartmental programs and processes, and recommend procedure development or revisions.
• May transport clients to appointments.
• Accompany clients to treatment or required meetings and maintain associated records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level