Eligibility Specialist

Scott County, Minnesota • Shakopee, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs tasks related to determining eligibility for Public Assistance programs, including cash, emergency, food support, county burial, and health care programs. Reviews cases and program rules to ensure complete and accurate documentation, and uses professional judgment, critical thinking, and analysis of information from clients and multiple data sources to determine financial eligibility.

The position processes applications, renewals, and changes in circumstances; explains and applies complex program policies; maintains client records; coordinates access to services; and represents the county in appeal hearings. The role works under the general supervision of an Eligibility Supervisor, follows established procedures and guidelines, and is subject to systematic review by State Quality Control reviewers, a supervisor, or a trainer. The employee may provide training and assistance to other employees.

The typical work environment involves 40 hours of inside work, usually in an office setting, with some field work possibly required. Work is multitask-oriented and may involve periods of stress while balancing the needs of multiple clients. The position is based in Shakopee, Minnesota. Two full-time positions are being filled; the eligible register may also be used for future full-time, part-time, or on-call vacancies in this classification.

Requirements

• One of the following qualification pathways: high school diploma or GED and four years of related work experience involving health and human services or determining public assistance eligibility for a broad range of clients; high school diploma or GED plus one year of post-secondary education and two years of related experience; an associate degree and one year of related experience; or a bachelor's degree.
• Education must be related to human services, business, or accounting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to multitask in an environment with changing priorities.
• Reliable means of transportation for performing work responsibilities.
• Knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements for federal, state, and county public assistance programs; agency programs, operations, policies, procedures, and community resources; human behavior, cultural diversity, language barriers, financial case management, and interviewing techniques.
• Ability to analyze facts and solve problems methodically; assist others; organize and coordinate work; maintain effective working relationships; prepare reports and process detailed information accurately and rapidly; maintain systematic records; use MS Office software; and exercise discretion with confidential matters.

Nice To Haves

• Recent public assistance eligibility experience.
• Bilingual abilities.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for all programs by processing applications, renewals, and changes in circumstances according to federal, state, and county policies and procedures.
• Interpret and explain complex, frequently changing policies, guide clients through program requirements, and serve as a client resource and advocate.
• Review, analyze, and interpret complex tax, financial, and legal documents as needed; consult with the County Attorney's office when required.
• Code MMIS billing systems accurately and promptly with enrollees’ eligibility information so health care providers can be paid.
• Coordinate and correspond with internal and external providers to help ensure clients are informed about and have access to available services.
• Maintain accurate client case records in the county's electronic document management system.
• Maintain knowledge of program policies and communicate residents’ and participants’ rights and responsibilities.
• Enroll participants in managed health care plans; assess the cost-effectiveness of employer-offered health insurance and reimburse eligible participants; investigate and resolve managed-care problems.
• Use multiple case and document management systems to access benefit information and perform manual eligibility determinations as needed.
• Represent the county in appeal hearings before a Human Services judge, prepare appeal summaries citing relevant policy and statute, and take timely action based on appeal decisions.
• Comply with laws governing data privacy and freedom of information.
• Work assigned hours and shifts, begin and end work on time, and perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• A comprehensive benefits package is provided to employees who work 20 hours per week or more; detailed benefit information is available through the Scott County Benefit Hub.

What This Job Offers

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