Eligibility Specialist

Ramsey County; Minnesota; Hybrid; USD 61,119,000 - 82,667,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Ramsey County is seeking an Eligibility Specialist in the Financial Assistance Services department to determine eligibility for public assistance programs and support residents in achieving independence. The role requires meeting onboarding training and strong accuracy while handling multiple systems and deadlines, with an initial full-time in-office period.

The department emphasizes flexible hybrid work arrangements and professional service to residents.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Graduation.
• Experience: Three years of clerical, customer service or client service experience or completion of the Human Services Pathway Program with one year of clerical, customer service or client service experience.
• Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Certifications/Licensure: None.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and determine eligibility for various public assistance programs; review and ensure accuracy of related documentation; and approve and issue benefits.
• Communicate professionally in person, on the phone, electronically, and virtually with residents providing residents with information on available financial assistance programs, describing program requirements and eligibility, program time limits, expectations, and other program requirements; and assist residents with completing applications and other program documents.
• Update and maintain county and state computer systems to ensure accuracy and availability of information.
• Assist potential and current residents with finding resources that can help them meet their needs and make appropriate referrals to programs and other community resources.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of the current requirements of multiple public assistance programs through meetings, training sessions and the review of appropriate literature.

Skills

Customer service

Clerical

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Position Summary

This vacancy is with the Financial Assistance Services department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department. Eligibility Specialists spend much of their workday working at a computer while managing multiple responsibilities and deadlines. The work includes taking and making client phone calls, responding to electronic communications, processing applications and casework, and maintaining accurate information in multiple computer systems. Staff must be able to adjust to changing priorities, shifting program policies and procedures, and varying workload demands while maintaining accuracy, productivity, and professional service to residents. Successful completion of a structured onboarding and training program is a requirement of this position. Candidates should anticipate working full-time in the office during the first 4 months of employment and limited availability for time off during this period to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the role. Consistent attendance throughout the onboarding and training period is essential.

Anticipated Start Date/ Wages

• The anticipated start date is January/February 2027.
• The starting wage for this position is $25.09/hour. This does not include the anticipated annual wage adjustment that is expected for January 2027.

To assist Ramsey County residents in connecting to, or maintaining a connection to, the resources available to meet their economic and social service needs. To serve residents by determining eligibility for various public assistance programs; evaluate eligibility for additional programs; support program participants in achieving the highest possible degree of independence from public assistance; support participants in addressing those barriers that prevent them from achieving and maintaining self-sufficiency; communicate program purposes and apply policies to individuals in a clear, polite, professional and culturally sensitive manner; and perform related duties as assigned.

Flexible Workplace

This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy

Examples of Work Performed

• Conduct interviews and determine eligibility for various public assistance programs; review and ensure accuracy of related documentation; and approve and issue benefits.
• Communicate professionally in person, on the phone, electronically, and virtually with residents providing residents with information on available financial assistance programs, describing program requirements and eligibility, program time limits, expectations, and other program requirements; and assist residents with completing applications and other program documents.
• Update and maintain county and state computer systems to ensure accuracy and availability of information.
• Assist potential and current residents with finding resources that can help them meet their needs and make appropriate referrals to programs and other community resources.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of the current requirements of multiple public assistance programs through meetings, training sessions and the review of appropriate literature.
• Prepare documents and represent the county at appeal hearings.
• Maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal state and local standards.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High School Graduation.
• Experience: Three years of clerical, customer service or client service experience or completion of the Human Services Pathway Program with one year of clerical, customer service or client service experience.
• Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Certifications/Licensure: None.

Exam/Screening Process Information

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for Eligibility Specialist will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List

The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an Eligibility Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 90 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted. The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of 50% or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.

Veteran's Preference

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application. Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation

Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact: [e-mail]

Employee Benefits

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
  • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
  • MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
  • VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
• Pre-tax Benefit Program
  • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
• Paid time off
  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
  • 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
  • Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
• Retirement benefits
  • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
  • New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
  • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
• Transit and parking
  • Fully funded Metropass.
  • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
• Employee well-being
  • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
  • Wellness programming
  • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
• Life Insurance and Disability leave
  • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
  • Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
  • Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
• Career development
  • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
  • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
  • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

The starting wage for this position is $25.09 per hour, with possible adjustment based on directly related experience and county pay practices. This does not include the anticipated annual wage increase that is expected for January 2027. Does this wage meet your expectations?

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