Eligibility Worker

Otter Tail County•500 Fir Avenue West Fergus Falls, MN

About The Position

Otter Tail County is hiring an Eligibility Worker to provide information and determine initial and ongoing eligibility for Income Maintenance Programs. The position also participates in planning and implementing unit goals, policies, and procedures. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position, generally scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Applications are accepted until vacant positions are filled and reviewed approximately every two weeks. The selection process includes an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire, followed by interviews for semifinalists. Finalists must pass a background investigation and reference check. A standard one-year probationary period applies.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Driver’s license valid in Minnesota.
Meet at least one of the following qualifications: three years of administrative support experience or experience working with the public; two years of experience in a social services or human services agency; an associate degree emphasizing behavioral sciences, business, or closely related subjects; a Public Welfare Eligibility Worker diploma (applicants must be within six months of completing the program); or an equivalent combination providing comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Finalists must pass a background investigation and reference check.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake and screen potential applicants for public assistance programs.
Interview applicants to assess initial eligibility for public assistance programs.
Issue cash, food support, child care, and health care program assistance.
Refer clients to community agencies as needed.
Explain eligibility criteria to the public, social workers, and estate planning professionals.
Perform case management for ongoing cases.
Maintain accurate information through frequent telephone and in-person contact with clients, and add or end assistance programs as needed.
Respond to financial crises by assessing eligibility for emergency programs or making referrals.
Prepare correspondence and respond to inquiries.
Process reports generated by computer matches, such as the Income Eligibility Verification System.
Understand and implement the appeals process when needed and represent the agency during appeal hearings.
Attend staff, supervisor, and supervision meetings as scheduled.
Attend conferences as scheduled or agreed upon with the supervisor, and attend trainings related to job responsibilities.
Complete documentation, agency timesheets, and employee records in a timely manner.
Communicate schedule changes with the supervisor.
Use the status (In/Out) Board consistently to keep agency staff aware of availability.
Use SSIS as the case management system, including time documentation, case notes, documents, and other applicable systems.
May assist with duties and responsibilities in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.
Perform other duties as assigned.