Eligibility Specialist

Ramsey County; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Workplace

Job summary

Ramsey County in Minnesota is seeking an Eligibility Specialist to determine eligibility for public assistance programs, assist residents with applications, and coordinate resources. The role requires strong computer skills, attention to detail, and professional, culturally sensitive communication.

Onboarding is structured with full-time office work during the first 4 months, and attendance is essential. The position offers a flexible workplace option under the county policy, with in-office

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a structured onboarding and training program is required.
• Candidates should anticipate working full-time in the office during the first 4 months and limited availability for time off during this period to acquire knowledge and skills.
• Consistent attendance throughout onboarding and training is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and determine eligibility for various public assistance programs; review and ensure accuracy of related documentation; approve and issue benefits.
• Communicate professionally in person, on the phone, electronically, and virtually with residents, describing program requirements and eligibility, time limits, and other requirements; assist residents with completing applications and documents.
• Update and maintain county and state computer systems to ensure accuracy and availability of information.
• Assist residents in finding resources to meet needs and provide referrals to programs and community resources.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of current requirements of multiple public assistance programs through meetings, training, and literature reviews.
• Prepare documents and represent the county at appeal hearings.
• Maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with policy.

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