Program Trainer/Specialist

Dakota County•West St. Paul, MN

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Program Trainer Specialists (PTSs) provide leadership in training and mentoring staff and supporting team members in daily unit operations. PTSs develop and present Public Assistance program, policy, and procedure trainings to staff and evaluate performance by completing case reviews and identifying opportunities to improve casework management and overall operations. This posting is being used to recruit for one specific PTS positions in Public Assistance: Family Cash Lead Worker: We seek a dynamic individual who excels at collaboration and is ready to influence policy and procedural changes. If you are experienced in cash processing, childcare assistance, SNAP and emergency assistance programs and are eager to learn and grow, this is the role for you. You will significantly contribute by working alongside lead workers and trainers, providing mentorship to staff as they master individual case management.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree AND 1 year of experience with a Public Assistance agency OR Associate's degree AND 3 years of experience with a Public Assistance agency OR High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND 5 years of experience with a Public Assistance agency
One year of experience with a Minnesota Public Assistance agency within the past five years.
Experience determining eligibility for programs like medical assistance, SNAP, cash, childcare, or emergency programs.
Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, staff, and co-workers.
Creates a respectful workplace that promotes equity and addresses the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
Considerable ability to work effectively with the public, department, and County associates in a professional manner.
Working knowledge of computer software and information systems.
Knowledge of various training techniques and styles.
Must possess a high level of analytical skills.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and as a team member.
Ability to work under stress and use discretion in making decisions.
Ability to interpret social behavior.
Ability to assess and evaluate staff performance.
Ability to handle staff conflict and personnel issues in sensitive situations.
Ability to manage and coordinate large projects.
Ability to prepare and deliver presentations utilizing advanced public speaking methods.
Ability to read and comprehend complex technical information.
Employees are expected to transport a county-issued laptop and related work materials between their remote and onsite work locations.
Occasional lifting or carrying of up to 20 pounds may be required; however, this is typically limited to a laptop, bag, and other work-related materials and is not a primary function of the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with customers or clients in a public sector, human services, education / training, or financial industry.
Experience training or mentoring others.
Experience facilitating and / or developing training in group or individual settings.
Experience conducting detailed case reviews to ensure compliance with policy and procedures.
Experience assisting in standardizing case review practices and / or identify training needs and gaps.
Experience in cash processing, childcare assistance, SNAP and emergency assistance programs.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership in training and mentoring staff and supporting team members in daily unit operations.
Develop and present Public Assistance program, policy, and procedure trainings to staff.
Evaluate performance by completing case reviews and identifying opportunities to improve casework management and overall operations.
Provide mentorship to staff as they master individual case management.
Train existing employees using both in-person and remote classroom training and hands on models.
Assist in supervising a public assistance unit by assigning work and providing training and advice to other financial workers on procedures, policies and programs.
Evaluate probationary employee performance and providing input on performance appraisals.
Act as a central resource person for internal and external customers and resolving problems concerning eligibility, benefit amounts or access to community resources.
Review work of Financial Assistance Specialist staff to ensure conformity to regulations and procedures including case reviews, audits, and ongoing training based on findings from case reviews and audits.
Resolve discrepancies in case records including errors, and problems resulting from miscommunication, changes in policies, or implementation of new procedures.
Plan, design, and implement new programs, legal mandates, and agency initiatives.
Coach staff on difficult case situations or actions.
Provide both on-the-job and topical training for experienced financial workers on procedures and program guidelines.
Manage complex and sensitive cases including prepare cases for appeals, attend appeal hearings, and document the actions taken by the agency regarding public assistance eligibility.
Work with the County Attorney's office to investigate cases referred for disqualification, gather evidence and identify witnesses, childcare disqualification cases, and client complaint calls/resolution.
Process overpayments and correct program errors.
Provide back-up caseload coverage for absent workers or vacant positions within unit to ensure workload is adequately managed.
Direct work unit activities in the supervisor's absence.
Maintain detailed knowledge of the current requirements of multiple public assistance programs through meetings, training sessions to include developing and maintaining cultural and diversity awareness, and the review of appropriate public assistance literature.
Prepare special reports as necessary.
Respond to public inquiries about public assistance programs and eligibility criteria.
Submit policy questions to DHS.