Experienced Financial Assistance Specialist II (FAS II)

Dakota County•West St. Paul, MN

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

In this position, you will evaluate Dakota County residents' basic needs, health and well-being are met by assessing clients' economic, social, and health-related issues in order to accurately determine public assistance eligibility for Medicaid/Medical Assistance, SNAP, MFIP, GA/MSA, Child Care, or an Emergency Program. We have several positions for this posting. Please apply if you have experience in any program area. This position is for someone who enjoys working with people and on computers, plus has an interest in helping individuals or families in times of financial crisis. Financial Assistance Specialists are often the first line of defense against poverty. We use in depth analysis of information received from internal and external customers, and multiple data sources. This career requires attention to detail, quality customer service and strong interpersonal communication skills.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution.
OR Associate's degree in Public Financial Worker Program AND two years' experience working with the public.
OR Associate's degree OR completion of at least 90 quarter credits AND two years' experience working with the public.
OR High School graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND four or more years' experience in a closely related position such as: Public Financial Worker, Child Support Specialist, or Program Associate/Case Aid.
Proficient at keyboard skills including typing at least 35 WPM.
Must possess a high level of analytical skills.
Considerable ability to work effectively with the public, department, and County associates in a professional manner.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
Ability to work under stress and use discretion in making decisions.
Ability to prioritize work according to client and agency needs.
Ability to assess a persons' social, economic, emotional, and health needs.

Nice To Haves

Current experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs in Minnesota

Responsibilities

Determine eligibility for multiple public assistance programs, complete interviews, and review and verify information received from multiple sources.
Review household information periodically to ensure accurate ongoing eligibility.
Communicate program rules and requirements, benefit levels, expectations, and timelines to customers.
Calculate benefit amounts per county, state, and federal program guidelines.
Data entry into multiple state and county computer systems.
Provide case management on individual or team caseload.
Interview Dakota County residents to assess their needs, gather information, and determine what governmental or community resources can meet those needs.
Counsel and advise residents on viable life options and promote self-sufficiency.
Assess clients' ability to become self-sufficient by identifying client's strengths and weaknesses.
Determine clients' economic, social, and health-related issues.
Provide services by assessing and determining financial assistance program eligibility.
Coordinate services by collaborating with staff and external service providers.
Reassess clients' needs and eligibility criteria to determine continued program eligibility and ensure their well-being as required or needed.
Represent the agency in legal settings and interview clients and their legal representatives.
Represent the agency in internal and external work groups and advisory committees, document and prepare presentations.
Provide training on programs, work methods, and procedures to other agency staff.