Eligibility Specialist, Senior

Washington County, MN; Minnesota; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County, MN seeks a Senior Eligibility Specialist to determine eligibility for public assistance programs for adults without dependents, including SNAP, GA, MSA, Housing Support and Medical Assistance. The role also handles complex cases, trainings, appeals, and policy guidance.

Hours are 8:00am-4:30pm, with a flexible/hybrid work environment. This position emphasizes data accuracy, cross‑agency collaboration and staff mentoring to ensure compliant service delivery.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of experience as an Eligibility Specialist.
• Completion of the Minnesota State College Public Welfare Financial Worker or Human Services program may substitute one year of work experience.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for public assistance programs for adults without dependents (e.g., SNAP, General Assistance, MSA, Housing Support, Medical Assistance).
• Perform duties of an Eligibility Specialist, including handling more complex cases and appeals.
• Provide on-the-job training and assist staff with day-to-day questions.
• Review work for policy conformity and provide feedback to supervisors and staff.
• Develop reference materials and instructions to supplement DHS policies.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

This position will serve as a Senior Eligibility Specialist on the Adults Economic assistance team. This job will determine eligibility for public assistance programs for adults without dependents such as SNAP, General Assistance, MSA, Housing Support and Medical Assistance. This position will also complete specialized tasks such as targeted case reviews and appeals.

Perform all duties of an Eligibility Specialist which may include management of more complex cases.

• Provide on the job training for new and experienced Eligibility Specialists.
• Prepare cases for appeals, attend appeals hearings and document related agency actions.
• Assist with day-to-day staff questions.
• Review work of Eligibility Specialists to ensure conformity to policy and procedures, including completing peer case reviews and providing feedback to supervisor and staff.
• Develop reference materials and instructions for staff to supplement Minnesota Department of Human Services policy and internal procedures.
• Assume responsibility for administrative and/or operational functions in major program areas and/or specialized tasks within units.
• Represent agency in legal settings, internal and external workgroups, and committees.
• Develop, implement and conduct general orientation sessions for department employees.
• Complete or coordinate completion of case management reports to improve data accuracy and program outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE:

• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace;
• Skill in managing work in multiple complex public assistance computer systems;
• In-depth knowledge of public assistance programs including program guidelines, benefits and methods of determining eligibility;
• Ability to manage a caseload and prioritize additional assignments and specialized tasks related to a variety of public assistance programs;
• Ability to utilize previously acquired knowledge and skills to independently identify, analyze and solve complex case-related problems;
• Ability to serve as a consultant to staff and review work to ensure compliance with relevant policies and procedures;
• Ability to function comfortably and professionally in administrative settings and court proceedings;
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for other staff through proven initiative, organizational skills, effective communication, and active participation in problem-solving and meetings.

SELECTION TECHNIQUE:

Your training and experience will be rated based on the required application material submitted and the top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.

HOURS / DAYS:

Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:30pm.

This position is eligible for a flexible / hybrid work environment. Work schedules (hours and days) and location are subject to change based on department needs.

ANTICIPATED HIRING RATE:

$30.29 - $41.27 Hourly

E-Verify Participation:

Washington County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Washington 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, Washington 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.

E- Verify Participation Poster

Right to work Poster

The Eligibility Specialist, Senior is a progressive position that, in addition to managing a public assistance caseload, provides administrative and technical support to staff using a substantial level of technical knowledge of, and experience in, multiple programs, departmental processes, and caseload administration. Work in this classification differs from the Eligibility Specialist in the degree of complexity of assignments and the experience, knowledge and ability to work at a higher level of independence and decision-making.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires a High School diploma or equivalent and two years of experience as an Eligibility Specialist. Completion of the Minnesota State College Public Welfare Financial Worker or Human Services program may substitute one year of work experience.

CORE COMPETENCIES, JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB PERFORMANCE

• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace;
• Skill in managing work in multiple complex public assistance computer systems;
• In-depth knowledge of public assistance programs including program guidelines, benefits and methods of determining eligibility;
• Ability to manage a caseload and prioritize additional assignments and specialized tasks related to a variety of public assistance programs;
• Ability to utilize previously acquired knowledge and skills to independently identify, analyze and solve complex case-related problems;
• Ability to serve as a consultant to staff and review work to ensure compliance with relevant policies and procedures;
• Ability to function comfortably and professionally in administrative settings and court proceedings;
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for other staff through proven initiative, organizational skills, effective communication, and active participation in problem-solving and meetings.

• Perform all duties of an Eligibility Specialist which may include management of more complex cases
• Provide on the job training for new and experienced Eligibility Specialists
• Prepare cases for appeals, attend appeals hearings and document related agency actions
• Assist with day-to-day staff questions
• Review work of Eligibility Specialists to ensure conformity to policy and procedures, including completing peer case reviews and providing feedback to supervisor and staff
• Develop reference materials and instructions for staff to supplement Minnesota Department of Human Services policy and internal procedures
• Assume responsibility for administrative and/or operational functions in major program areas and/or specialized tasks within units
• Represent agency in legal settings, internal and external workgroups, and committees
• Develop, implement and conduct general orientation sessions for department employees
• Complete or coordinate completion of case management reports to improve data accuracy and program outcomes
• Perform other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is sedentary in nature performed within the Government Center or satellite offices. Continuous contact with the public, other staff and other agencies. Lifting requirement of 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Wrist and finger manipulation due to filing, compiling, calculating, or computer work. Equipment used will include computer, typewriter, calculator, telephone, copy/fax machine and others. Exposures may include but be not limited to disagreeable odors, communicable diseases, bodily fluids, difficult and challenging behaviors. Additional physical/mental requirements that occur may not be listed above, but are inherent in performing the position's essential functions.

This job description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and level of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The County retains the discretion to add or change the contents of this job description at any time.