Senior Eligibility Specialist (Hybrid)

County of Anoka; Blaine (ME); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Pension plan

Hybrid work

Job summary

Anoka County in Blaine, MN is seeking a Senior Eligibility Specialist to determine eligibility for public assistance and to provide complex case management and staff leadership. The role emphasizes accuracy, training, and program integrity across SNAP, Medical Assistance, and other programs.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement with weekday hours and opportunities for advancement within the Economic Assistance Department. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Four years (2,080 annual hours) of job-related experience processing program eligibility for public assistance programs.
• In lieu of the required education, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Behavioral Science, Human Services, Education, or closely related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to assess their needs and apply regulations and work procedures to verify and determine benefits and eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Interview clients, process required paperwork and determine eligibility for public assistance programs in accordance with rules and regulations.
• Work collaboratively with other county departments and external agencies.
• Determine initial and/or continuing eligibility of applicants for public assistance in all programs in accordance with existing regulations.
• Interpret complex information from records and documents needed to determine eligibility.
• Advocate for clients.
• Coordinate services and connect clients to appropriate resources.
• Work with clients in crisis and high stress situations to meet basic needs.
• Maintain detailed, accurate records that support eligibility, meet monthly deadlines, and accurately interface with software programs.
• Provide ongoing support and training to eligibility specialists and administrative staff.
• Provide supplemental training on program information, community resource referrals and agency policies and procedures.
• Support staff during peak work times by assisting in processing caseload work as needed.
• Work with Leads and Supervisors to develop and implement training plans.
• Perform quality assurance reviews to maintain program integrity.
• Assist staff with resolving difficult cases and client situations.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to public assistance staff.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Leadership

Interviewing

Organizational skills

Work prioritization

Mentoring

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Behavioral Science, Human Services, Education, or closely related field

Tools

MAXIS

Job description

Job Posting End Date: September 10, 2026 at 11:59pm CST Hiring range: $64,480 to $90,230 ($31.00 to $43.38 per hour). Starting rate will depend on experience, education, and qualifications. Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County. Come join our team at Anoka County, where you can serve your community while enjoying the benefits of work-life balance! This includes 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 holidays in your first year.

Position Description

The Senior Eligibility Specialist provides advanced support in determining eligibility for public assistance, managing complex public assistance programs, and offering comprehensive case management to assist individuals in achieving self-sufficiency and independence. The Anoka County Economic Assistance Department mission statement is, “To provide effective services with a focus on dignity and self-sufficiency.” Senior Eligibility Specialists conduct in-depth interviews, interpret and apply complex verifications, and ensure accurate determinations for initial and ongoing eligibility across multiple public assistance programs, including food support, cash, emergency assistance, and healthcare. They also serve as leaders and mentors within the department, providing guidance, training, and quality assurance to ensure program integrity and staff development. Senior Eligibility Specialists handle complex and multifaceted responsibilities requiring an advanced level of technical expertise, comprehensive knowledge of departmental processes, and proficiency in automated caseload management. They excel under pressure, providing accurate and timely solutions while supporting staff and ensuring the highest level of service delivery to clients. If making a meaningful difference in your community and leading others aligns with your career aspirations, consider joining Anoka County Human Services as a Senior Eligibility Specialist! This is a full-time, non-exempt, hybrid position. Interviews will take place the week of September 14th, 2026 for those selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Pay & Benefits

• Anoka County Salary Schedule Grade 32: $64,480 to $90,230 ($31.00 to $43.38 per hour).
• 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, flex benefits and more at https://www.anokacountymn.gov/benefits
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• Advancement/professional development opportunities.

Work Location

This position will work at the Blaine Human Service Center, located at 1201 89th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55434. This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work, with some days working remotely and some days working in the office. Work is primarily performed in a hybrid remote setting or at the Blaine Human Service Center. Expected works hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Flexible work hours may be allowed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to assess their needs and apply regulations and work procedures to verify and determine benefits and eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Interview clients, process required paperwork and determine eligibility for public assistance programs in accordance with rules and regulations.
• Work collaboratively with other county departments and external agencies.
• Determine initial and/or continuing eligibility of applicants for public assistance in all programs in accordance with existing regulations.
• Interpret complex information from records and documents needed to determine eligibility.
• Advocate for clients.
• Coordinate services and connect clients to appropriate resources.
• Work with clients in crisis and high stress situations to meet basic needs.
• Maintain detailed, accurate records that support eligibility, meet monthly deadlines, and accurately interface with software programs.
• Provide ongoing support and training to eligibility specialists and administrative staff.
• Provide supplemental training on program information, community resource referrals and agency policies and procedures.
• Support staff during peak work times by assisting in processing caseload work as needed.
• Work with Leads and Supervisors to develop and implement training plans.
• Perform quality assurance reviews to maintain program integrity.
• Assist staff with resolving difficult cases and client situations.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to public assistance staff.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Four years (2,080 annual hours) of job-related experience processing program eligibility for public assistance programs.
• In lieu of the required education, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Six years (2,080 annual hours) of job-related experience administering public assistance programs in a Minnesota county.
• Three or more years of full-time (2,080 annual hours) experience administering SNAP or Medical Assistance in MAXIS.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Behavioral Science, Human Services, Education, or closely related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in leadership, interviewing, organizational techniques, prioritizing and managing workflow, teaching and mentoring, and oral and written communication.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

• Standard office environment.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus, such as to work on computers.
• Ability to see colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hearing abilities required for general and phone communication, signals, and machine sounds.
• Assignments are sedentary, occasionally alternating between sitting, standing, walking, crouching, and kneeling as required to perform job responsibilities.
• Frequent wrist and finger manipulation to complete computer work.
• Occasional lifting of 10-20 lbs.
• Equipment used includes computers, phones, and standard office equipment.
• Occasional travel to other county work sites as needed.
• Travel between work sites may require driving a county vehicle and/or a personal vehicle.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Selection Process

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions.

Pre-employment Requirements

Anoka County has determined that successfully passing a pre-employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen and DOT physical, and/or other qualifications checks may be necessary for certain positions. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the County to obtain to conduct such screenings and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

About Anoka County

As the fourth largest county in Minnesota, Anoka County thrives because of the diversity, dedication, determination, and innovation of our employees. United by our mission - Commitment to Excellence: Through collaborative efforts, we seek to improve lives and serve with care, integrity, and professionalism - we offer a wide range of career opportunities for people with a variety of personalities, abilities, knowledge, and life experiences. Together, we work toward a single purpose of serving Anoka County’s 369,000 citizens in a respectful, innovative, and fiscally responsible manner. If your career aspirations resonate with our mission, we invite you to Find Your Path with Anoka County! Hear from other Anoka County employees here.

Commitment to Affinneative Action and Equal Opportunity Employment

Anoka County is committed to the principles of our Affine Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity. It is the policy of Anoka County to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, physical ability, sexual orientation, or age except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification. It is the policy of Anoka County to make employment decisions in a manner that will further our Affine Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity. If you require accommodations or have any other questions regarding this job posting, please call the Anoka County Human Resources Department at 763-324-4300 and reference the posting title and number. If you have questions about the hiring process, please visit: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4411/Application-Process Anoka County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy: https://www.anokacounty.us/401/Diversity-EEO Our team of over 2,000 employees is united by a common mission to preserve the public's trust. We do this by bringing our very best to work every day and serving Anoka County's citizens in a respectful, innovative and fiscally responsible manner.