Eligibility Worker

Steele County; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HSA/VEBA contributions

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Deferred compensation plan

Pension plan

Employee assistance program

Paid time off

Job summary

Steele County is seeking an Eligibility Worker to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for public assistance programs at an on-site location in 55060. You will interview clients, assess their needs and financial situations, and coordinate with agencies to ensure compliance with program rules.

Qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED, 3 years clerical experience, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalence.
• Minimum of 3 years related clerical experience that includes experience in a related industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Driver's License required and background check ability.

Responsibilities

• Determines initial eligibility and ongoing case management for programs (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.).
• Conducts client interviews to obtain necessary information and clarify questions.
• Identifies potential fraud and initiates referrals with documentation for investigation.
• Verifies third-party insurance options and computes premium cost effectiveness for medical assistance recipients.

Skills

Interviewing clients

Clerical experience

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Valid Driver's License

Job description

Duties

Under the direction of the Eligibility Supervisor, the Eligibility Worker is responsible for determining initial and on-going the eligibility of clients for a wide variety of county, state and federal public assistance programs (i.e. medical assistance, cash assistance, supplemental nutrition assistance, energy assistance, child care, etc.) through interviews, applicant communications and partnering with other agencies/organizations to assure compliance with the various rules and policies applicable to each program. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Conducts interviews with clients to obtain the necessary and relevant information needed to process applications, assess client needs, status and financial situation, to address questions or concerns. Expedites food support benefits if applicant meets established criteria.
• Determines initial eligibility and performs ongoing case management activities for such programs as Medicaid, General Assistance, MN Supplemental Aid, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance, MN Family Investment, Work Benefit, Diversionary Work, Emergency General Assistance, Group Residential Housing, Refugee Cash Assistance, MNSURE, Long-Term Care, Child Care and Foster Care Assistance programs.
• Identifies potential or suspected cases of fraud and initiates referrals for fraud investigations. Provides the investigator with all relevant information and documentation. Collaborates with County Attorney staff and testifies at fraud hearings. Takes corrective action against participants or providers if fraud is confirmed. Established overpayments in accordance with policies.
• Verify if third party insurance is available. Request documentation from client and/or employer regarding coverage options and individual cost per pay period. Calculates the cost effectiveness of premium covering medical assistance recipients. Sends documentation to client, the cost effective reimbursement worker and fiscal department. Re-determine reimbursement amounts when any changes reported impact eligibility or premium costs. Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.
• High School Diploma or GED Equivalence

Job Duties

• Conducts interviews with clients to obtain the necessary and relevant information needed to process applications, assess client needs, status and financial situation, to address questions or concerns. Expedites food support benefits if applicant meets established criteria.
• Determines initial eligibility and performs ongoing case management activities for such programs as Medicaid, General Assistance, MN Supplemental Aid, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance, MN Family Investment, Work Benefit, Diversionary Work, Emergency General Assistance, Group Residential Housing, Refugee Cash Assistance, MNSURE, Long-Term Care, Child Care and Foster Care Assistance programs.
• Identifies potential or suspected cases of fraud and initiates referrals for fraud investigations. Provides the investigator with all relevant information and documentation. Collaborates with County Attorney staff and testifies at fraud hearings. Takes corrective action against participants or providers if fraud is confirmed. Established overpayments in accordance with policies.
• Verify if third party insurance is available. Request documentation from client and/or employer regarding coverage options and individual cost per pay period. Calculates the cost effectiveness of premium covering medical assistance recipients. Sends documentation to client, the cost effective reimbursement worker and fiscal department. Re-determine reimbursement amounts when any changes reported impact eligibility or premium costs. Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.
• High School Diploma or GED Equivalence

Minimum Education Required

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalence

Minimum Experience Required

• Minimum of 3 years related clerical experience that includes experience in a related industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Driver's License
• Ability to pass a background check

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

16

Public Transportation Accessible

No

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

Yes

Compensation

$28.04 - $35.78 / Hourly

Postal Code

55060

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

78747

Job Benefits

Steele County will contribute to HSA/VEBA $1,700 for single or $3,500 for family (if you elect to pay for our Medical insurance that is provided by Medica); other benefits that are available include dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance, deferred compensation plan, pension plan, employee assistance program, paid time off, etc.

Cost of living adjustment and pay increases per union contract. The pay range listed is our 2026 rates. We are currently set to receive a 4% cost of living adjustment on 1/1/2027.