Eligibility Specialist

Olmsted-County,-Mn; Minnesota; On-site; USD 37,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Olmsted County in Minnesota seeks an eligibility support specialist to assist high volumes of applications for medical, food, cash, childcare, and emergency assistance. The role conducts detailed interviews, enters data, ensures compliance, and coordinates with agencies to connect clients with resources.

Training and mentoring are part of the duties. The position requires a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in related fields or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in human services, business, finance, or related field.
• OR Associate’s degree from an accredited college in human services, business, finance, or related field (1) year of paid experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.
• OR Combination of education and experience equivalent to three (3) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

Responsibilities

• Interviews applicants and gathers essential information for benefit eligibility, verifies information submitted and explains requirements of public assistance programs/policy
• Enters application and eligibility data into appropriate computer systems and processes in compliance with the rules and regulations.
• Interprets and completes other necessary procedures related to application, redetermination and eligibility determination
• Handles any emergent needs of customers, processing in compliance with program policy and within required time frames
• Completes required processing of cases to maintain customer and program-related information and documents in an organized and accurate manner
• Assists with the training, orienting and mentoring of others
• Responds in a professional and timely manner to general questions/inquiries about assistance programs
• Resolves problems or complaints from customers regarding eligibility or requirements
• Assists with arranging for customer services, is responsible for customer follow-up and performs related program compliance/coordination
• Maintains current knowledge of and compiles data for federal, state and local agencies, requirements, rules and laws relating to position and job duties
• Assists customers with referrals to other community resources in a timely manner
• Completes other necessary procedures as assigned.

Skills

Policy knowledge

Case management

Community resources

Math skills

Computers & technology

Interview techniques

Confidential information handling

Decision making

Relationship building

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services/business/finance

Associate's degree in human services/business/finance

Job description

Expected starting salary is $27.14 to $36.25. Full salary range $27.14 to $45.35

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in human services, business, finance, or related field.

OR

Associate’s degree from an accredited college in human services, business, finance, or related field (1) year of paid experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

OR

Combination of education and experience equivalent to three (3) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.Under direct supervision, supports a high number of individual and family applications to access public assistance programs including medical assistance, food support, cash, childcare and emergency assistance. Conducts detailed interviews and determines eligibility. Manages an assigned caseload, maintains client records, and processes renewals. Ensures data accuracy and compliance. Coordinates with other agencies and community resources to connect clients with support. Maintains knowledge of current federal and state policies, bulletins, and procedures. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

• Interviews applicants and gathers essential information for benefit eligibility, verifies information submitted and explains requirements of public assistance programs/policy
• Enters application and eligibility data into appropriate computer systems and processes in compliance with the rules and regulations. Follows procedures related to application redetermination, and eligibility requirements.
• Interprets and completes other necessary procedures related to application, redetermination and eligibility determination
• Handles any emergent needs of customers, processing in compliance with program policy and within required time frames
• Completes required processing of cases to maintain customer and program-related information and documents in an organized and accurate manner
• Assists with the training, orienting and mentoring of others
• Responds in a professional and timely manner to general questions/inquiries about assistance programs
• Resolves problems or complaints from customers regarding eligibility or requirements
• Assists with arranging for customer services, is responsible for customer follow-up and performs related program compliance/coordination
• Maintains current knowledge of and compiles data for federal, state and local agencies, requirements, rules and laws relating to position and job duties
• Assists customers with referrals to other community resources in a timely manner
• Completes other necessary procedures as assigned.

• Knowledge of rules and policy pertaining to public assistance benefit programs.
• Knowledge of case management techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources, social services programs, and other related agencies.
• Skill in basic business math.
• Skill in the use of computers and technology.
• Skill in interviewing techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to make decisions based on program eligibility.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
• Ability to process a large volume of work in an efficient and accurate manner
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to effectively communicate and follow instructions both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deescalate stressful situations while remaining calm and objective.
• Ability to effectively prioritize work and independently manage time.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Office environment: 24% or Less
• Operate vehicle: 24% or Less
• Sitting: 24% or Less
• Standing, walking, crouching: 24% or Less
• Reaching: 24% or Less
• Pushing up to 5 pounds: 25% - 49%
• Repetitive hand movements, typing/data entry: 25% - 49%
• Talking, hearing: 25% - 49%
• Close and distance vision: 25% - 49%
• Color vision, depth perception, field of vision: 25% - 49%
• Accommodation (bring object into sharp focus): 25% - 49%
• Sedentary (exert up to 10 pounds of force): 25% - 49%

An Equal Opportunity Employer