Lead Eligibility Specialist

Benton County•Mn 56329, MN

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Benton County Human Services is hiring a full-time Lead Eligibility Specialist in the Financial Assistance Unit. The position acts as a lead worker for financial assistance eligibility staff, providing training, mentoring, guidance, work assignments, and work review. It also maintains and manages a caseload for financial assistance and health care programs and services. The role supports program administration, staff development, service quality, and compliance. Responsibilities include interpreting program rules, developing and implementing procedures, reviewing cases, preparing for appeal hearings, monitoring reports, coordinating caseload coverage, and serving as a MAXIS mentor. The position works primarily in the office and community; telework may be permitted at the Department Head’s discretion when the employee is not required to be in the office or community. The stated 2026 hiring wage is $27.05 per hour at Step 1, with placement above Step 1 potentially considered based on directly related qualifications and experience. Career progression may reach $37.10 per hour at Step 11. The position is AFSCME union represented and follows a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; extended, evening, and weekend hours may be needed. The application deadline is November 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.; application review begins November 13, 2026, and a tentative interview date is November 20, 2026.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, and three years of relevant experience, three years of experience in Human Services financial assistance programs or a related area, and two years of leadership-capacity experience; alternatively, an equivalent combination of at least eight years of education, training, and experience.
Expert knowledge of financial assistance programs, including SNAP, Health Care, and at least one other core financial assistance program.
Maintain safety, data privacy, and data security training.
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive in Minnesota.
Successfully complete a background check and driver’s license verification.
Obtain and maintain required certifications and licensures, including DHS SNAP training and DHS-specific training within six months of hire.
Knowledge and skill in clerical and accounting functions, Microsoft Office Suite, and computer database operation.
Thorough knowledge of multiple complex computer systems used by Eligibility Specialists and Senior Eligibility Specialists.
Knowledge of basic foster care principles, child and adult protection criteria, and general mental and physical illnesses.
Ability to explain financial assistance programs and procedures effectively to distressed recipients and handle frequent procedural changes and clients’ personal and financial situations.
Ability to analyze problems, help establish resolution procedures, and provide consultation and direction to Financial Assistance Unit staff.
Strong customer service, public relations, oral and written communication, interviewing, and mathematical skills.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and policies governing financial assistance programs, agency operations and procedures, and other sources of financial support, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, veterans’ benefits, workers’ compensation, and disability insurance or pension programs.
Ability to interpret complex laws, rules, policies, and regulations; handle confidential information; follow data practices requirements; and adapt procedures to unusual and complex situations.
Ability to maintain frequent public contact, including with hostile or uncooperative individuals.
Ability to travel within the daily work assignment and within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays.
Ability to work extended, evening, and weekend hours as needed, and attend work during regularly scheduled hours and outside regular hours when necessary.
Ability to perform the physical and mental demands of the work environment and comply with organizational and departmental policies.
Communicate and interact effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, people from other organizations, and citizen customers.
Comply with data practices policies and standards for private data, accessing only what is needed for assigned duties and securing data in accordance with county policies and Minnesota statutes.

Nice To Haves

An additional four years of experience in Human Services financial assistance programs or a related area.

Responsibilities

Provide training and guidance to Eligibility Specialists and Senior Eligibility Specialists for financial assistance programs.
Assign and review Eligibility Specialists’ work and provide work direction for the assigned program area.
Assign work schedules and tasks.
Maintain Client Complaint Resolution under the guidance of the Unit Supervisor.
Interpret statutes and manual materials.
Train new and experienced employees on Financial Assistance Unit administrative duties, public-facing customer service, financial assistance programs, and entering and assigning public assistance applications.
Assist in developing and implementing unit procedures and changes.
Maintain and oversee rotation of phone bank duties.
Develop statistical reports regarding caseload administration.
Assist the supervisor with employee performance evaluations.
Complete case reviews to ensure quality services.
Monitor Minnesota Department of Human Services reports and ensure corrective action.
Prepare county cases for appeal hearings, document county actions, and provide testimony at hearings.
Assist with appeal preparation and attend appeal hearings.
Coordinate caseload coverage during staff absences.
Maintain current knowledge of changing program rules and agency procedures.
Identify staff training needs.
Participate in hiring staff.
Create training curriculum.
Serve as MAXIS mentor for the Financial Assistance Unit.
Attend training as needed.
Perform miscellaneous duties when the supervisor is unavailable and other duties as assigned or apparent.
Maintain and manage a caseload for financial assistance and health care programs and services.