Financial Assistance Specialist II (Temporary)

Dakota County; West Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Dakota County’s Employment and Economic Assistance department is seeking a part-time Program Eligibility Specialist (FAS II) to help determine public assistance program eligibility for residents. The role is temporary, 10-20 hours per week, and based at the Northern Service Center in West St.

Paul, MN. The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of experience as a Financial Worker/Eligibility Specialist, with relevant education options and strong data-entry skills to support clients through the

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years as a current Financial Worker/Eligibility Specialist determining eligibility for Minnesota programs (SNAP, MFIP/GA/MSA, Medical Assistance, etc).
• Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree with related experience as described in qualifications, including public-facing work.
• One year of experience must be in Minnesota within the past five years.

Responsibilities

• Conduct phone interviews with Dakota County residents to assess needs and determine program eligibility.
• Reassess clients' needs and eligibility criteria to maintain continued eligibility and ensure well-being.

Skills

Typing 35 WPM

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree in Public Financial Worker Program

Associate's degree OR 90 quarter credits + 2 years public experience

High School diploma + 4+ years related experience

Tools

OnBase

Compass Appointments

Job description

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open-Competitive

DEPARTMENT: Employment and Economic Assistance

HOURS: Temporary, part-time 10-20 hours a week

HIRING RANGE: $28.07 - $35.00 per hour

LOCATION: Northern Service Center, West St. Paul

UNION: None

CLOSE DATE: Close at 4:30PM on 9/30/2026 with first review of applicants on 9/16/2026

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.

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, Medical Assistance, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), 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/GA/MSA), Medical Assistance or Child Care.

OR a recent (within 12 months) Dakota County E&EA retiree.

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, METS, 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.