Eligibility Specialist - Experienced (Hybrid)

The Eligibility Specialist determines eligibility for public assistance, manages public assistance programs, and provides case management by assisting individuals in maintaining ability, self-sufficiency, and independence.

The Anoka County Economic Assistance team is currently accepting applications to fill current and future Eligibility Specialist vacancies. Our Economic Assistance mission statement is, "To provide effective services with a focus on dignity and self-sufficiency." Eligibility Specialists conduct in-depth interviews with individuals, interpret multiple complex verifications and accurately apply them to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for public assistance programs such as food support, cash, emergency assistance, and healthcare.

The Eligibility Specialist performs work under general supervision. The Eligibility Specialist possesses a solid working knowledge of subject matter, handles moderately complex issues and problems associated with eligibility, and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.

Eligibility Specialists perform complex work requiring an advanced level of technical knowledge in multiple programs, departmental processes, and automated caseload administration. Eligibility Specialists are troubleshooting and resource specialists who remain calm under pressure and process information quickly and accurately to meet the needs of the customers served. If having a positive effect on the lives of your community is part of your vocation, consider a career in Anoka County Human Services as an Eligibility Specialist!

This is a full-time, non-exempt, hybridposition. Interviews will take place within two weeks of applications, for those selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Pay & Benefits

• Salary: $57,720 to $70,720 ($27.75 to $34.00 per hour).
• 2024 Anoka County Salary Schedule Grade 30: $54,017 to $72,904 ($25.97 to $35.05 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 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 is currently designated for hybrid remote work. Workers may be required to come onsite on average two times per month, or as needed.
• Expected work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Flexible scheduling opportunities may be available.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

These examples are not all inclusive and are intended to be illustrative of primary responsibilities of an Anoka County Eligibility Specialist.

• Communicate public assistance program purposes and policies to individuals in a clear, polite, professional, and sensitive manner.
• Review, approve, modify, and determine eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Interview applicants and collect required documentation.
• Assess emergency situations and determine immediacy of needs and requirements for resolution and intervention.
• Provide public assistance case management using multiple systems.
• Maintain concise and accurate records to ensure program integrity.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policy, and administrative procedures in determining eligibility.
• Prioritize work daily, weekly, and monthly to coincide with deadlines established by state programs while remaining flexible for client appointments and emergencies.
• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners including investigative agencies to identify and refer potential welfare fraud situations and overpayment.
• Analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources to accurately determine eligibility.
• Assist applicants in identifying resources that can help them meet their needs without reliance on public assistance programs.
• Resolve discrepancies in case records including errors, problems resulting from miscommunication, and changes in policies or implementation of new procedures.
• Use interpreter services as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Three years (2,080 annual hours) of full time experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs in Minnesota.
• Experience working with MAXISdatabase system.
• Current experience determining eligibility for one or both of the following public assistance programs:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medical Assistance (MA) through MAXIS
  • Medical Assistance (MA) through METS

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Previous Anoka County eligibility experience within the last six months.
• Able to communicate effectively with clients explaining complex rules and programs over the phone or in-person. To proactively correspond with clients, conduct interviews and explain complex rules and programs.
• Able to interpret and understand federal laws, state statutes and regulations relating to public assistance programs.
• Able to interpret financial documents such as tax documents, insurance policies, trusts, retirement accounts, etc.
• Able to organize work, set priorities, make good decisions, and work independently under stress while maintaining clear, concise, and accurate records and reports.
• Able to interpret and follow complex oral and written procedures
• Able to enter data accurately and navigate a variety of computerized data systems and case management systems to ensure program integrity.
• Able to use good judgement, compassion, and tact in dealing with clients.
• Able to perform mathematical computations accurately and quickly.

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 equipmen.t
• 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.