Eligibility Worker

Rice County • Faribault, MN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Eligibility Worker assists Rice County residents in obtaining or maintaining accessibility to multiple complex public assistance resources and programs available to meet their economic and social service needs according to federal, state and county program policies. This role serves as the first line of defense against poverty while ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer money. The position involves communicating public assistance program purposes and requirements, and applying policies to individuals in a clear, polite, professional, and culturally sensitive manner. Key responsibilities include determining client eligibility for various federal and state programs such as cash assistance, food support, healthcare, emergency assistance, county burials, and childcare assistance. The Eligibility Worker must accurately and timely determine or redetermine benefit amounts, while staying current on all federal and state legislative changes and applying them to program policy.

Requirements

• High school diploma and three years of clerical experience, or experience working with the public.
• OR a high school diploma and two years clerical experience in a social services/human services agency.
• OR two years of study at an accredited two or four year college or university or similar institution, with emphasis in the behavioral sciences, business, or closely related subjects (at least 23 quarter credits or 16 semester credits) and one year of clerical experience.
• OR successful completion of the technical college Public Welfare Eligibility Worker diploma program (applicants must be within six months of completion of the program).
• Successful completion of the technical college Public Welfare Eligibility Worker certificate program will substitute for one year of the required clerical experience or experience working with the public.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as an Eligibility Worker.
• Experience with METS/MAXIS, and specialized childcare computer systems.
• Experience in a position requiring usage of interviewing skills.
• Experience in a position dealing with the public requiring knowledge of human behavior.
• Bi-lingual in Somali or Spanish language.

Responsibilities

• Determine initial and ongoing financial assistance eligibility in particular program areas by scheduling interview appointments with applicants, completing applications and verifying financial status.
• Maintain case records with case notes, updating METS/MAXIS/Childcare computer system, recording changes within guidelines.
• Respond to inquiries by other providers regarding case status within established guidelines.
• Attend staff meetings, seminars, training and workshops to obtain information as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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