Remote Eligibility Specialist — Public Assistance

Pine-County; Pine City (MN); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Pine County is seeking an Eligibility Worker to assess initial and ongoing eligibility for assistance programs, interviewing clients, collecting data, and processing cases. The role supports social services delivery under the Financial Assistance unit and involves documentation and outreach to related services.

The ideal candidate has clerical experience, strong communication, and the ability to follow regulations, manage caseloads, and collaborate with social workers.

Qualifications

• Three years of clerical experience or experience working with the public, or some combination totaling three years.
• Two years of clerical experience in a social services/human services agency.
• Two years of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university or similar institution, with emphasis in behavioral sciences, business, human services, or closely related subjects (at least 23 quarter credits or 16 semester credits).
• Also, a valid Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Interviews individuals to obtain required information to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for assistance programs; completes required forms; documents case records.
• Provides back-up caseload coverage for absent staff or vacant positions within the unit.
• Provides on-the-job training for new and experienced eligibility workers on policies, procedures and program requirements.
• Explains the benefit program rules and regulations; explains client rights and responsibilities.
• Completes eligibility determination; applies program regulations to determine eligibility and benefit amount; documents case record to show that regulations are applied correctly; completes worksheet to show verification of eligibility requirements; gathers information through written correspondence and oral contacts.
• Refers individuals to social workers and other programs, services and resources as a result of the overall assessment of the situation.
• Prepares, reports and maintains records; maintains and manages the ongoing caseload; files cases; prepares correspondence.
• Receives and responds to inquiries in person and via the telephone.
• Identifies potential fraud issues, documents and makes appropriate referrals; assists Fraud Prevention and Welfare Fraud Investigators in preparing cases for prosecution, and provides testimony in civil or criminal court as needed.
• Assists and/or provides input in the implementation of new County policies and procedures.

Skills

Clerical experience

Public interaction

Driver’s license

Education

Two years of college study (behavioral sciences / human services)

Job description

Pine County is seeking an Eligibility Worker to assess initial and ongoing eligibility for assistance programs, interviewing clients, collecting data, and processing cases. The role supports social services delivery under the Financial Assistance unit and involves documentation and outreach to related services.

The ideal candidate has clerical experience, strong communication, and the ability to follow regulations, manage caseloads, and collaborate with social workers.