Experienced Financial Assistance Specialist II (FAS II)

Dakota County•West St. Paul, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Dakota County is seeking experienced Financial Assistance Specialists (FAS II) to join their Employment & Economic Assistance department. This full-time position involves assessing residents' basic needs, health, and well-being by evaluating economic, social, and health-related issues to determine eligibility for public assistance programs such as Medicaid/Medical Assistance, SNAP, MFIP, GA/MSA, Child Care, or Emergency Programs. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, quality customer service, and effective interpersonal communication. Financial Assistance Specialists are crucial in helping individuals and families facing financial crises and are often the first line of defense against poverty. The position involves in-depth analysis of information from various sources and data entry into multiple state and county computer systems. Case management on individual or team caseloads is also a key responsibility. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people and computers and has a passion for helping others.

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.
Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems.
Knowledge of investigative interviewing techniques including de-escalation approaches.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge of psychology, mental and physical illness, developmental disabilities, adult, and child protection criteria.
Knowledge of real and personal property, estate and ownership laws, and their relationship to public assistance program eligibility.
Must successfully complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

Current eligibility specialist who has at least 2 years of experience determining eligibility for public assistance benefits in Minnesota in the past 2 years, or who has been out of the position for less than 1 year and has at least 2 years of experience determining eligibility for public assistance benefits in Minnesota in the last 3 years.
Experience determining Medical Assistance eligibility in MAXIS. This includes long-term care and waivers.
Experience determining health care eligibility in METS.
Experience determining eligibility for SNAP and CASH (MFIP, IV-E Foster Care, GA, MSA Housing Support) in MAXIS.
Experience determining eligibility for the Child Care Assistance Program in MEC2.

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.