Eligibility Worker (16 positions)

Reasors Food Stores; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 80,346,000 - 102,524,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HSA/VEBA

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Pension

Paid time off

Job summary

Steele County Human Services is seeking an Eligibility Worker to determine eligibility for a range of public assistance programs through client interviews and interagency collaboration. The role supports medical, cash, food, energy, childcare, and related programs with accuracy and compliance.

You will verify assets, interpret policies, and coordinate with social workers and partners to ensure proper benefits while upholding confidentiality and program rules.

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.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Knowledge of benefit assistance programs and requirements learned through the Department of Human Services.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and agency programs, services, policies, procedures and organization.
• Fundamental knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge concerning the operation and use of computer equipment and human service customized applications and business productivity software (e.g. MAXIS, MMIS, SSIS, MNSURE, PRISM, SharePoint, etc.) programs.
• Fundamental knowledge of human behavior and mandated reporting.
• Fundamental knowledge of office procedures.
• Oral and written communications.
• Implementing and maintaining customer service orientation approach and skills.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and rapport with employees, clients, supervisors, department heads, officials, and the public.
• Assessing general client issues and making necessary referrals to others inside or outside of the department, as warranted.
• Serving as an advocate for clients and in assisting clients to problem solve or address disputes with other providers.
• Prioritizing and organizing a variety of responsibilities.
• Considerable attention to detail, accuracy and precision in the documentation and performance of case responsibilities.
• Applying, learning and interpreting rules, regulations, tax records, financial documents and guidelines of various financial assistance programs consistently and appropriately across all clientele.
• Interviewing and gathering client information in a variety of areas including financial, employment, social, medical and emotional.
• Learning, operating, using, inputting and maintaining case management records, procedures and software.
• Working independently with limited direct supervision and maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Interprets and applies public assistance program policies and statutes. Keeps informed of changing guidelines, rules and eligibility requirements for a multitude of assistance programs available to applicants and clients.
• Examines applicant/client financial information including assets such as annuities, trusts and/or burial funds and evaluates earned and unearned income in accordance with policies and rules.
• Performs program overrides to achieve accurate eligibility results for programs applied for.
• Determines if any overpayments in benefits occur and initiates recapture procedures to reimburse federal, state and/or county governments.
• Determines and assesses the most cost effective transportation services through contracted business partners. Coordinates and partners with other agencies both internal and external to address and resolve client needs. Provides information to social workers and child support officers regarding new and existing cases for child support or medical support.
• 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.
• Evaluates applicant assets to correctly determine protected assets for spouse who remains on assistance. Educates clients on how assets are evaluated and instruction on ways to protect assets for community spouse. Educates clients on how to properly reduce assets for long-term care. Determines probate and estate recovery amounts for medical assistance and revenue recapture.
• Represents the agency at appeal proceedings. Utilizes resources to resolve individual case disputes at the agency level. Compiles documentation collaborating eligibility determination. Presents evidence and testifies as to the determination processes. Initiates any corrective actions resulting from judicial rulings. Establishes and calculates any overpayments. Pursues and tracks client repayment.

Skills

Interviewing techniques

Communication

Public assistance knowledge

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or GED Equivalence

Tools

MAXIS

MMIS

SSIS

MNSURE

PRISM

SharePoint

Job description

• Location 630 FLORENCE AVE,OWATONNA, MN, 55060-4704,United States
• Base Pay $28.04 - $35.78 / Hour
• Employee Type Full-Time Non-Exempt

Contact information

• Name Steele County Human Resources
• Phone [phone]

Description

Shape the future of human services in Steele County. We are seeking individuals who want to be on a high-performing team, foster a healthy and inclusive work culture, and implement innovative systems that deliver services with accountability, dignity, and measurable impact.

About Steele County Human Services

The Minnesota Prairie County Alliance (MNPrairie) is a collaborative human services agency formed in 2014 by Dodge, Steele, and Waseca counties to deliver essential services through a shared structure. Steele County has made the decision to transition out of the collaborative and establish an independent county human services department. Planning and activities for this separation are underway, with the new department scheduled to launch on January 1, 2027. This change reflects Steele County’s commitment to local service delivery and meeting the unique needs of its residents. Our intention is to build our team and have the new members join us towards the end of 2026 or early January 2027!

Job Title: Eligibility Worker

Department: Human Services

Immediate Supervisor: Eligibility and Enrollment Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Union: AFSCME

Job Summary

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.
• Interprets and applies public assistance program policies and statutes. Keeps informed of changing guidelines, rules and eligibility requirements for a multitude of assistance programs available to applicants and clients.
• Examines applicant/client financial information including assets such as annuities, trusts and/or burial funds and evaluates earned and unearned income in accordance with policies and rules.
• Performs program overrides to achieve accurate eligibility results for programs applied for.
• Determines if any overpayments in benefits occur and initiates recapture procedures to reimburse federal, state and/or county governments.
• Determines and assesses the most cost effective transportation services through contracted business partners. Coordinates and partners with other agencies both internal and external to address and resolve client needs. Provides information to social workers and child support officers regarding new and existing cases for child support or medical support.
• 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.
• Evaluates applicant assets to correctly determine protected assets for spouse who remains on assistance. Educates clients on how assets are evaluated and instruction on ways to protect assets for community spouse. Educates clients on how to properly reduce assets for long-term care. Determines probate and estate recovery amounts for medical assistance and revenue recapture.
• Represents the agency at appeal proceedings. Utilizes resources to resolve individual case disputes at the agency level. Compiles documentation collaborating eligibility determination. Presents evidence and testifies as to the determination processes. Initiates any corrective actions resulting from judicial rulings. Establishes and calculates any overpayments. Pursues and tracks client repayment.

Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.

• Keeps abreast of changing legislation, trends, policies, and developments in areas of responsibility.
• Attends various state, regional and local training sessions.
• Attends ongoing and annual training on HIPPA, Civil Rights, Data Privacy, Fraud, Waste and Abuse.

Minimum 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.

Ability to pass a background check

Knowledge of benefit assistance programs and requirements learned through the Department of Human Services.

Knowledge of interviewing techniques.

Knowledge of federal, state, and agency programs, services, policies, procedures and organization.

Fundamental knowledge of community resources.

Knowledge concerning the operation and use of computer equipment and human service customized applications and business productivity software (e.g. MAXIS, MMIS, SSIS, MNSURE, PRISM, SharePoint, etc.) programs.

Fundamental knowledge of human behavior and mandated reporting.

Fundamental knowledge of office procedures.

Oral and written communications.

Implementing and maintaining customer service orientation approach and skills.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and rapport with employees, clients, supervisors, department heads, officials, and the public.

Assessing general client issues and making necessary referrals to others inside or outside of the department, as warranted.

Serving as an advocate for clients and in assisting clients to problem solve or address disputes with other providers.

Prioritizing and organizing a variety of responsibilities.

Considerable attention to detail, accuracy and precision in the documentation and performance of case responsibilities.

Applying, learning and interpreting rules, regulations, tax records, financial documents and guidelines of various financial assistance programs consistently and appropriately across all clientele.

Interviewing and gathering client information in a variety of areas including financial, employment, social, medical and emotional.

Learning, operating, using, inputting and maintaining case management records, procedures and software.

Working independently with limited direct supervision and maintaining confidentiality.

Physical Job Requirements (Percentage of Time)

Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects in the performance of the job.

Stand: occasionally (1-33%)

Walk: occasionally (1-33%)

Sit: frequently (34-66%)

Use of hands: frequently (34-66%)

Reach with hands & arms: occasionally (1-33%)

Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: occasionally (1-33%)

Talk or hear: continuously (66-100%)

Taste or smell: never

Lift & carry: up to 10 pounds frequently (34-66%), up to 25 pounds occasionally (1-33%)

Working Conditions

Employee works primarily in an indoor office setting and is exposed to minimal adverse or hazardous physical conditions. Employees are exposed to some disagreeable, hostile, uncooperative and/or angry clients or members of the public that can make the job less than desirable. Potential hazards and risks can be minimized through departmental procedures, training, and general county risk management techniques employed by the County.

This description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and levels 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.

Summary

First review of applications set to occur on Wednesday, October 7 th , 2026. We will continue to review applications as we receive them.

Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Benefit & Pension Eligible

• 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)
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• long term disability insurance
• deferred compensation plan
• pension plan
• employee assistance program
• paid time off

Cost of living adjustment and pay increases per union contract.