Eligibility Specialist Senior (Financial Worker Specialist)

Ramsey County; Twin Cities (CA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government agency is seeking an Eligibility Specialist Senior to provide comprehensive support for public assistance programs. The role involves determining eligibility, training staff, and resolving complex issues. This position offers a flexible workplace option, allowing for a hybrid work schedule. Candidates should have significant experience in customer service and eligibility determination.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• Five years of clerical or client service experience.
• Three years as an Eligibility Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Provide guidance and training to other specialists.
• Assist residents in accessing community resources.

Skills

Customer Service

Problem Solving

Education

High School Graduation

Tools

Electronic Data Management System

SharePoint

Job description

Eligibility Specialist Senior (Financial Worker Specialist)

Eligibility Specialist Senior (Financial Worker Specialist)

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Basic Function

The current vacancies are in the Financial Assistance Services department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

To lead and/or provide specialized or comprehensive program support for public assistance programs; provide work guidance and assistance to staff; train staff in current and updated practices; resolve complex problems for internal and external customers; conduct quality control; determine eligibility of benefits for various public assistance programs; and perform related duties as assigned. Depending on the unit assigned, employees may perform some or all of the following functions.

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

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this job, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.

Examples of Work Performed

• Perform all duties of the eligibility specialist classification, including determining resident eligibility for various public assistance programs, and process complex cases.
• Effectively communicate program time limits, expectations and other program requirements to residents, internal and external social services providers, and other community resources.
• Assist residents in finding resources that supports independence from public assistance programs to include connecting residents to community resources to obtain services not provided by public assistance programs.
• Provide guidance, training and advice to other eligibility specialists on procedures, policies, and programs; review work by current and new employees; and review cases for accuracy according to Department of Human Service (DHS) and federal requirements.
• Act as a central resource person for internal and external customers, research and resolve problems concerning eligibility, benefit amounts or access to community resources.
• Interpret regulations and advise other workers in unit on how to handle problematic case situations.
• Prepare cases for appeals; attend appeal hearings; and work with the County Attorney’s office to investigate cases referred for disqualification by gathering evidence and identifying witnesses.
• Prepare special reports as necessary.
• 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, 8, 9.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School Graduation or equivalent.

Experience: Five years of clerical, customer service or client service experience, including three years of experience as a Eligibility Specialist, one of the three years of Eligibility Specialist experience can include experience determining eligibility for a government based financial or medical assistance program.

Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Certifications/Licensure: None.

Exam/Screening Process Information

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

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%
  
  

The examination for Financial Worker 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 final rank on this examination.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who pass the examination/screening process and file a properly completed application shall be placed on the eligible list for employment as a Financial Worker Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for two months or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.

The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of 35% or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consider.

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.

In addition, you may be subject to one or more of the following:

• Psychotherapist Check
  
  

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, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance 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 being 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.

To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application(Download PDF reader). You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

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

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://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits

• 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 2025 benefits, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Select the option that best describes your highest level of completed education.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or Higher
• None of the above
  
  

04

Do you have five years of clerical, customer service or client service experience, including three years of experience as a Eligibility Specialist, one of the three years of Eligibility Specialist experience can include experience determining eligibility for a government based financial or medical assistance program?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

If you indicated 'Yes' to the question above provide information about where you gained the experience, please include the following information in the box below: The name of the employer you worked for; your job title; your main duties; dates of employment (mo/yr to mo/yr); and whether it was full-time or part-time. If it was part time include the number of hours you worked per week. Do not write "see resume" or "see application" If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the box below.

06

Select which of the following public assistance programs you have more than one year of full-time experience for determining and approving eligibility, resulting in your client receiving public assistance. CHECK ALL THAT APPLY (This responsibility typically comes from having been an Eligibility Specialist/Financial Worker.)

• Child Care
• Emergency Assistance and/or Emergency General Assistance
• Minnesota Eligibility Technology System (METS)
• Food Support (SNAP)
• General Assistance
• Housing Support Program
• Long-Term Care
• Medical Assistance (Family or Adult)
• Minnesota Family Investment Programs (MFIP)
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)
• Waivers
• Fraud
• None of the above
  
  

07

Describe the experience you indicated in Question 6. Include employer name, dates of employment and job duties. Do not write “see resume” or “see application”. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the box below.

08

Have you attended basic training required of new financial workers/Eligibility Specialists?

• Yes, I have completed training
• Yes, I have started but not completed training
• No, I have not
  
  

09

Describe the experience you indicated in Question 8. Include employer name and dates of participation. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the box below.

10

Which option best describes your related experience with workgroups, pilots, committees or special projects?

• I have been a participant in a workgroup/pilot/committee or special project
• I have served in a lead role within a workgroup/pilot/committee or special project
• I have not participated or lead a workgroup/pilot/committee or special project
  
  

11

Briefly describe your experience as a participant, a lead role, and or as a primary leader in/on work groups/committees or special projects.

12

Which of the following software programs do you have experience using? CHECK ALL THAT APPLY

• Electronic Data Management System (EDMS)
• SharePoint
• Online Case Review System
• Instance Messaging (i.e. Teams Chat)
• OneNote
• None of the above
  
  

13

Which best describes your full-time equivalent experience with MAXIS and/or METS?

• No experience in this area
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
  
  

14

How many years of experience do you have working as a formal trainer at Ramsey County or other organization?

• No experience in this area
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
  
  

15

The work performed by an Eligibility Specialist Senior requires daily interaction and problem solving with clients and families from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Do you have experience providing direct client/customer service to a broad range of clientele (clients/customers with limited income, elderly, disabled, or from a different cultural background) experiencing crisis, in order to resolve the client's immediate needs?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Government Administration

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Ramsey County by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Eligibility Specialist” roles.

Eligibility Specialist - Experienced (Hybrid)

Clinic Services Assistant (Smiley's Family Clinic)

Housing Choice Voucher Specialist (1.0 FTE)

Clinic Appointment Coordinator (Fourth Floor - CSC)

Admission Representative Clerk - West Health Surgery Center

Centers of Training Program Administrator

Clinic Appointment Coordinator (Third Floor - CSC)

Clinic Appointment Coordinator (Third Floor - CSC)

Financial Assistance Specialist II (Temporary)

Centers of Training Program Administrator

Clinic Support Specialist (Clinics & Surgery Center) - 1.0 FTE

Patient Flow Assistant: Post Partum Unit

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area 14 hours ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.