Eligibility Specialist

Wright County • Mn 55313, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs intermediate skilled administrative support work determining initial and ongoing eligibility for State and Federal public assistance programs for individuals and/or families in a manner compliant with applicable County, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and rules; and working with clients to establish and/or maintain self-sufficiency and economic independence. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Financial Assistance Supervisor. Starting pay range is $27.94/hr. - $31.29/hr. depending on qualifications. Candidates who have prior work experience as a County Eligibility Specialist or have directly related experience determining program eligibility may qualify for hire above the minimum of the wage scale.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, and three years of experience in human services, collections, legal, financial or customer service-related field working with State and Federal benefit eligibility programs, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility is required upon hire.
• Knowledge of, and adherence to, State statutes regarding Confidentiality, Privacy, and Protected information.
• Skill in the use of standard office equipment, including computer and software programs.
• Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively present information and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences.
• Reading comprehension skills sufficient to read and interpret court orders, legal documents and technical documents related to financial services.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and/or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to learn, apply and interpret laws and regulations related to State and Federal financial/healthcare programs, some of which may be complex and interrelated.
• Ability to learn County government work flows and processes.
• Ability to perform data entry into various databases.
• Ability to problem solve using knowledge of multiple programs and the rules of application.
• Ability to use de-escalation techniques with non-cooperative/non-compliant clients and when deemed necessary report escalating behaviors to law enforcement personnel.
• Ability to learn accounting and financial systems and programs used to support department’s financial function.
• Ability to interpret a variety of client provided information, such as tax returns or financial data.
• Ability to effectively organize time and anticipate, plan and successfully respond to changing circumstances.
• Ability to perform all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
• Ability to communicate courteously and professionally while maintaining positive working relationships with others when carrying out all job functions.

Nice To Haves

• Associates /Technical degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assesses, reviews and determines eligibility by performing intakes and assessments for new applicants for financial, emergency/crisis and health care programs.
• Issues program benefits for eligible clients and monitors continued compliance and eligibility.
• Interviews and screens clients in person and by phone to explain program eligibility and requirements; assists clients with diverse cultural and language backgrounds with the application process; verifies income, financial resources, work history, assesses client needs and makes referrals to other agencies, programs and community resources; processes applications in multiple software systems to determine appropriate program benefits.
• Complies information and testifies during appeal hearings.
• Enters information into and reviews State database(s) regarding client eligibility and benefit programs; checks interfaces with other County, State, and Federal agencies and departments; verifies accuracy of benefit determination; refers cases and individuals to the Fraud Investigator when financial abuse is suspected; notifies clients of determination; responds to questions from clients, outside facilities, agencies and vendors regarding client benefits and eligibility.
• Performs case management activities.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of public assistance programs; serves as a resource and provides training to other staff members.
• Communicates information with internal and external partners on County, State, and Federal guidelines.
• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED