Financial Assistance Specialist II (Temporary)

Dakota County; West Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; Part time

Job summary

Dakota County is seeking a Program Eligibility Specialist (FAS II) to evaluate residents' needs and determine eligibility for public assistance programs. This temporary part-time position requires strong analytical skills and customer service abilities, with a focus on helping individuals in financial crisis. The role involves conducting interviews, reassessing eligibility, and utilizing various software systems in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years as a Financial Worker/Eligibility Specialist.
• Ability to type at least 35 WPM.
• One year of experience must be in Minnesota within the past five years.

Responsibilities

• Conduct phone interviews to assess needs and determine eligibility.
• Reassess clients' needs and eligibility criteria.
• Gather information and make recommendations.

Skills

Customer Service

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Associate's Degree

High School Graduate

Tools

MAXIS

MMIS

MNsure

Job description

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open-Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Employment and Economic Assistance
HOURS: Temporary, part-time 10-20 hours a week
HIRING RANGE: $26.92 - $33.65 per hour
LOCATION: Northern Service Center, West St. Paul
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30PM on May 26, 2025


Who We Are:
Come join us at Dakota County and "Be more". Dakota County employs nearly 2000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique.

Dakota County offers important careers - like the Program Eligibility Specialist (FAS II) that make a difference in people's lives. You will not be just another employee; you'll be a valued employee making a difference in the lives of Dakota County residents every single day. If you have at least 2 years' experience as a Financial Worker/Eligibility Specialist, you are encouraged to apply. Will you be the next person to join us at Dakota County?

What You'll Do:
Program Eligibility Specialist (FAS II) evaluate Dakota County residents' basic needs, health and well-being are met by assessing clients' economic, social, and health-related issues in order to accurately determine public assistance program eligibility. Some examples of programs are Child Care Assistance Program, General Assistance, Medicaid, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), MNsure, and Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

This is a temporary (up to six months) position for someone who enjoys working with people and computers, plus has an interest in helping individuals or families in times of financial crisis. Public Assistance Financial Workers/Eligibility Specialists are often the first line of defense against poverty. We use in depth analysis of information received from internal and external customers, and multiple data sources. This career requires attention to detail, quality customer service and strong interpersonal communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Minimum of 2 years as a current Financial Worker/Eligibility Specialist determining eligibility for Minnesota programs SNAP, Cash (MFIP/DWP/GA/MSA), METS, Child Care, or Long Term Care.

AND
2a. Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution; OR
2b. Associate's degree in Public Financial Worker Program AND Two years experience working with the public; OR
2c. Associate's degree OR completion of at least 90 quarter credits AND Two years of experience working with the public; OR
2d. High School graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND FOUR or more years of experience in closely related position such as: Public Financial Worker, Child Support Specialist, or Program Associate/Case Aid. One year of experience must have occurred in Minnesota within the past five years.

AND

3. Ability to type at least 35 WPM.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with OnBase document management system
• Experience with Compass Appointments

** To be eligible for hire, an applicant must successfully complete a background check and meet the criminal history background criteria required to access certain networks/systems necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Conduct phone interviews with Dakota County residents to assess their needs, gather information, and determine financial assistance program eligibility.
2. Reassess clients' needs and eligibility criteria to determine continued program eligibility and ensure their well-being as required or needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Comprehensive knowledge of MAXIS, MMIS, MNsure, and/or MEC2 State computer software and information systems.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, staff, and co-workers.
• Creates a respectful workplace that promotes equity and addresses the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
• Ability to assess complex life situations and make related decisions and recommendations to resolve problems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems.
• Knowledge of income and asset types and their relationship to public assistance program eligibility.
• Possess strong customer service skills to effectively communicate with both our internal and external customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including composing comprehensive and concise case notes.
• Ability to effectively keyboard and manage electronic documents.
• Must possess a high level of analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a remote environment.
• Ability to work under stress and use discretion in making decisions.
• Ability to prioritize work according to client and agency needs.
• Ability to assess a persons' social, economic, emotional, and health needs.

Work Environment
This is temporary part-time employment. Part-time hours must be worked outside of regular work hours at the primary County or Tribal Nation. Hours may not overlap. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, laptop and telephone.

Location & Schedule

Work is hybrid performed with mostly remote environment. There will be times that require an in-person work environment, such as but not limited to; gathering necessary work equipment, completing required training or forms for employment. In-person work will be at our Northern Service Center in West St Paul, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks