Eligibility Specialist

Beltrami County•Bemidji, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Beltrami County is creating an eligibility list for a full-time, benefited Eligibility Specialist. The successful applicant will work in the income maintenance department on the long-term care team, determining eligibility for a variety of county, state and federal public assistance programs. Performs administrative work evaluating and explaining program benefits and eligibility requirements to applicants and clients, processing applications and recertification, according to county, state and federal policies, statutes and guidelines, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Economic Assistance Program Manager.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in behavioral sciences, business, or a closely related field.
Four years of related work experience in behavioral sciences, business, accounting, or a related field may be substituted for an Associate’s degree.
One year or more of work experience in business, accounting, behavioral sciences working with at-risk populations, or a related field.
Valid MN driver’s license.
Thorough knowledge of county, state and federal policies and rules associated with each program the individual administers.
Thorough knowledge of the operation of state databases.
Thorough knowledge of state resources that may assist with correct interpretation of policies and correct eligibility determinations.
Thorough knowledge of cooperative community resources and programs.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public social service organizations.
General skill operating standard office equipment and related hardware and software.
General skill composing standard and specialized business correspondence related to case management.
General skill creating and maintaining applicable file, case and program records.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and related hardware and software.
Ability to operate specialized database systems.
Ability to analyze data and exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.
Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to manage workload and meet frequent deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, comparable agencies at other levels of government, business partners and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Ongoing job-specific training.

Responsibilities

Interviews clients; explains program benefits and requirements to clients; obtains and verifies information necessary to process applications and recertification.
Processes case specific information for applications, recertification and unscheduled reported changes into state and county databases.
Determines eligibility for a variety of county, state and federal public assistance programs.
Advises clients on viable life options; provides referrals for other resources; promotes self-sufficiency.
Works in cooperation and coordination with other county staff, local, state and federal agencies, service providers or vendors to provide client services.
Maintains case files and records.
Responds to client concerns and complaints; informs clients of their appeal rights and the appeals process.
Conducts research and assists with the preparation of case materials as required for presentation in court; provides testimony in court.