Financial Eligibility Worker

Chisago County•Chisago Lake Township, MN

5d•$28 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Eligibility Worker manages public assistance cases by determining initial and ongoing eligibility, processing reviews, verifying case information and documentation, handling referrals, claims, and appeals, and explaining program requirements and sensitive information to clients. The position determines eligibility for cash, medical, and food support programs in accordance with state and federal regulations. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Financial Assistance Supervisor. The role involves interviewing clients, establishing and maintaining accurate case files, entering and reviewing information in MAXIS and METS, authorizing eligible benefits, managing ongoing case changes and deadlines, and coordinating referrals to community programs and other agencies. The worker also supports appeals and fraud investigations, assists with program guidance and training, and provides case coverage for coworkers. The position is full-time and based at the Chisago County Government Center in Center City, Minnesota, with work also performed in the homes of individuals served.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and moderate experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Complete knowledge of financial programs and the MAXIS computer system.
Considerable knowledge of community resources and agency operations.
Knowledge of human behavior.
Interviewing skills and the ability to maintain positive relationships with clients, coworkers, and the public.
Ability to make accurate and timely decisions.
Ability to organize a large volume of work and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for cash, medical, and food assistance programs in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Interview clients in person or by telephone to obtain information and make independent eligibility determinations.
Inform clients of their rights and responsibilities, help them complete forms, and explain agency services and community resources.
Review applications and reports for completeness and accuracy, request supporting documentation, and verify income and resources.
Establish, maintain, and update complete and accurate case records and case files.
Enter and review case information in MAXIS and METS, resolve case-related system issues, and ensure determinations are accurate and timely.
Determine effective dates and benefit amounts, and authorize initial and ongoing cash, medical, and SNAP benefits and EBT cards.
Process eligibility reviews, household income reports, recertifications, changes in circumstances, and required notices within mandated timelines.
Assess eligibility for emergency assistance, expedited services, special-needs items, and other emergency needs.
Respond to client calls and walk-in inquiries, document case actions, and make appropriate case changes.
Manage caseload priorities and review monthly and yearly reports and system messages to initiate required actions.
Coordinate with other agency units, counties, service providers, and community organizations regarding referrals, case changes, and transfers.
Recalculate grants, identify underpayments and overpayments, and initiate collections.
Research and interpret program materials and policy updates, maintain knowledge of assistance programs, and assist with program implementation and staff training.
Assist clients with appeal statements and prepare or present information and supporting evidence at appeal hearings as needed.
Refer suspected fraud for investigation, assist with fraud cases, and testify or provide information in court when necessary.
Refer cases to the State Medical Review Team, assist with information requests, and determine cost effectiveness for applicable situations.
Make required referrals related to suspected abuse or neglect, service plans for minors, money management, family problems, and child support.
Provide backup coverage for assigned workers, including processing income reports and eligibility reviews.
Maintain effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, supervisors, and the public.