Financial Worker (AKA Eligibility Technician)

Aitkin County; Aitkin (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Aitkin County is seeking a qualified Eligibility Worker to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for income maintenance programs. You will interview applicants, verify information and explain program requirements to help clients access benefits and services.

You will work under general supervision, maintain accurate records, and coordinate with health care enrollees and community resources. The role emphasizes accuracy, privacy, and assisting participants toward self-sufficiency.

Qualifications

• AAS degree in human services or closely related program.
• Strong interviewing, reading, and mathematical skills.
• Ability to interpret DHS regulations and policies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Background in public assistance programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants to explain policies and gather eligibility data.
• Verify information and determine eligibility for multiple programs.
• Explain application procedures and assist with forms.
• Communicate program requirements and provide referrals.
• Maintain accurate client records and document case actions.
• Respond to inquiries and support self-sufficiency.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

AAS in Human Services or closely related field

Tools

MAXIS

MEC2

MMIS

SIR

AVS

Excel

Job description

Job Summary

To perform a variety of tasks related to the determination of eligibility of clients for income maintenance programs and services; establish initial and on-going eligibility for multiple income maintenance programs; communicates program requirements and assists program participants in understanding how to maintain eligibility; supports program participants in achieving the highest degree of independence and in addressing barriers to self-sufficiency; provides education, enrollment and assistance to managed health care enrollees; makes appropriate referrals to other community resources; and performs related work as assigned.

Supervision Received

Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.

Supervision Exercised

No formal supervisory authority.

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

• 1. Communicate with and interview applicants/clients to explain related policies, laws, client/agency rights and responsibilities and gather the information necessary to assess initial and ongoing eligibility.
• 2. Verify information and determine eligibility of clients for multiple public assistance programs according to Federal, State and County standards.
• 3. Understand and explain application procedures to individuals or groups and answers questions of individuals on how to complete the application forms.
• 4. Communicates program time limits, expectations and other program requirements to the client or authorized representative, and serves as central point of communication for financial, social services, child care and employment services.
• 5. Advises clients on viable life options and promotes self-sufficiency.
• 6. Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding the constant change to policy and procedure based on state and federal legislation and system upgrades. This is done through trainings, bulletins, manuals and meetings.
• 7. Informs applicants about managed health care, determines eligibility for enrollment in managed health care, and resolves problems and questions from health plans, health care providers, enrollees and other staff.
• 8. Inputs data into multiple county and state computer systems and analyze the results for accuracy.
• 9. Re-determines eligibility and benefit amounts required by changes in a client’s status, by reviewing and verifying client information, preparing budgets and related documents, and calculating benefit amounts in accordance with established benefit standards.
• 10. Maintains complete and accurate records on client's eligibility for all assigned programs.
• 11. Provides requisite information on new and existing cases to child support, employment services, social services, and other appropriate staff.
• 12. Advises clients of case status, including explaining eligibility requirements and benefit factors, assesses client needs, and refers clients to programs and other community resources to assist them in maintaining eligibility, or in the event that the client is no longer eligible for public assistance.
• 13. Matches client eligibility information with other data files (IRS, Social Security, DEED, AVS, etc.) to verify income and asset sources and to resolve discrepancies and provide investigative information for fraud referrals.
• 14. Responds to complaints of clients and informs clients of the right and method of appeal and other legal rights.
• 15. Prepares county case for appeal hearings, documenting the actions taken by the county and provides testimony at the appeal hearing.
• 16. Assists law enforcement and the county attorney’s office in preparing cases for prosecution and provides testimony in court.
• 17. Makes referrals to social services and community resources, when appropriate.
• 18. Respond on a timely basis to client, provider and agency inquiries.
• 19. Provides input into the development and evaluation of the income maintenance unit’s policies and procedures.
• 20. Composes correspondence and constructs reports as needed.
• 21. Protects the interest of taxpayers with vigilant attention to changes in rules and regulations through new materials distributed.
• 22. Assist in training new staff.
• 23. Contributes to the agency by serving on committees, teams, panels, etc.
• 24. Treats all persons and agencies with respect, dignity, sensitivity and tact.
• 25. Attends training and meetings as needed.
• 26. Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Human Services Eligibility Worker, Human Services Generalist, or a closely related program that provides foundational knowledge of human services concepts, principles, methods, and agency practices. Strong interviewing, comprehension, mathematical, and interpersonal communication skills are required. Must be able to communicate clearly and appropriately, both verbally and in writing, and apply mathematical concepts while evaluating outcomes for accuracy and reasonableness. Ability to analyze complex processes, interpret technical policy language, and draw logical conclusions based on Department of Human Services (DHS) regulations and client circumstances is essential. Must demonstrate respect for individual privacy, lifestyles, and belief systems, and possess an understanding of barriers to self-sufficiency. Professionalism—including effective time management, stress management, appropriate help‑seeking, and maintaining a positive attitude—is required. Experience providing public services that support individual and family well‑being, particularly during times of financial need, is preferred. Prior experience with DHS systems such as MAXIS, MEC², and MMIS is also preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions may be considered. Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre‑employment process.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of

• 1. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.
• 2. Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the work performed in this position, including those which effect the eligibility determinations, referrals, and education of households requesting assistance.
• 3. Office procedures, practices, equipment and software programs.
• 4. Multiple complex computer systems.
• 5. Interviewing techniques and skills in conducting interviews.
• 6. The income maintenance program rules, regulations, benefits and methods of determining eligibility.
• 7. Other sources of financial support, including Social Security, reemployment insurance, veterans benefits, worker’s compensation, and disability insurance/pension programs.
• 8. The basic principles of foster care, child and adult protection criteria, and a general understanding of mental and physical illnesses.
• 9. Community resources such as emergency housing, food, social services and diversionary assistance programs.
• 10. Real and personal property, estate and ownership laws, and their relationships to public assistance program eligibility.
• 11. Human behavior.

Skill in

• 1. Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with supervisors, staff, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• 2. Communicating, in written and verbal form, with a culturally diverse clientele.
• 3. Data entry and keyboarding skills; Typing correspondence, preparing a quality product in a timely fashion and in a wide variety of typing layouts and formats.

Ability to

• 1. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat others with respect, honesty, and consideration.
• 2. Attend trainings and workshops as budget allows and to educate others with this information and put training to use.
• 3. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, public, co‑workers and agency administration.
• 4. Effectively explain income maintenance programs and procedures to recipients who are distraught.
• 5. Handle frequent procedural changes and client personal and financial crises.
• 6. Organize work, set priorities, make decisions and work independently under stress.
• 7. Be objective and non‑judgmental.
• 8. Accurately and rapidly process detailed information.
• 9. Establish and maintain accurate and systematic records.
• 10. Express ideas clearly and ability to comprehend and follow complex written and verbal instructions.
• 11. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• 12. Interpret legal documents, complex rules, manual materials and bulletins as they apply to income maintenance programs.
• 13. Maintain confidentiality.

Language Skills

Intermediate Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Skills

Intermediate Skills – Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software and the ability to use standard office equipment. E-time, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, MAXIS, METS, MEC2, Prism, MMIS, SIR, AVS, OnBase, Compass Pilot, internet and other job‑related software.

Ability to Travel

Occasional travel is required when required to do household visits, as well as for trainings in and out of Aitkin County .

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request): Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, and innovation.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equipment and Tools

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, 10-key calculator, shredder, county-owned vehicles and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs light work, exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Working safety is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug‑free and alcohol‑free workplace.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

9/9/2024 – 12/8/2025

Our Vision

We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission

Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values

Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism