Eligibility Specialist

Ramsey-County,-Mn; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 2,893,000 - 3,995,000; Full time

Job summary

Ramsey County in Minnesota is seeking an Eligibility Specialist to determine eligibility for public assistance programs and assist residents in navigating resources to achieve self-sufficiency. The role emphasizes accurate data handling, professional client interactions, and adherence to policies.

The position begins with a structured onboarding and full-time in-office work for the first four months, with flexible workplace options thereafter.

Qualifications

• Three years of clerical, customer service or client service experience (or completion of the Human Services Pathway Program with one year clerical/customer service experience).

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and determine eligibility for public assistance programs; review documentation and approve/issue benefits.
• Communicate information on financial assistance programs clearly and professionally; guide residents in completing applications.
• Update county and state computer systems to ensure data accuracy.
• Assist residents in finding resources and refer to programs and community services.
• Maintain knowledge of current requirements across multiple programs through training and literature.
• Prepare documents and represent the county at appeal hearings.
• Maintain regular, punctual attendance per applicable standards.

Skills

Clerical experience

Customer service

Education

High School Graduation

Job description

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.

• 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

1. Conduct interviews and determine eligibility for various public assistance programs; review and ensure accuracy of related documentation; and approve and issue benefits.
2. 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.
3. Update and maintain county and state computer systems to ensure accuracy and availability of information.
4. 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.
5. Maintain detailed knowledge of the current requirements of multiple public assistance programs through meetings, training sessions and the review of appropriate literature.
6. Prepare documents and represent the county at appeal hearings.
7. Maintainregular, 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.

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.

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• 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

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]