POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Employment & Economic Assistance
HOURS: The majority of positions available are full-time (40 hours per week).
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $53,925 - $67,406 annually
FULL SALARY RANGE: $53,925 - $84,258 annually (Grade 106)
LOCATION: West St. Paul
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 05/3/24

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 experience as a Financial Worker and want to start a career with Dakota County, you are encouraged to apply. Will you be the next person to join us at Dakota County?

In this position, you will 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, Medicaid, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), MNsure, and Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

who are hiring for these positions at a Zoom Webinar on Wednesday, May 1 from 1:30-2:30 PM. Learn more about these critical Public Assistance positions and bring your questions! shares some of the highlights of being a Program Eligibility Specialist, with opportunities to serve public assistance clients, learn programs and policy, and computer system entry.

This position is 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 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.

Examples of Some Work Performed in this Position

1. Determine eligibility for multiple public assistance programs, complete interviews, and review and verify information received from multiple sources.
2. Review household information periodically to ensure accurate ongoing eligibility.
3. Communicate program rules and requirements, benefit levels, expectations, and timelines to customers.
4. Calculate benefit amounts per county, state, and federal program guidelines.
5. Data entry into multiple state and county computer systems.
6. Provide case management on individual or team caseload.

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution.
OR
Associate's Degree AND TWO or more years' experience working with the public.
OR
Technical Certificate/Diploma AND THREE or more years' experience working with the public.
OR
Completion of at least 90 quarter credits (Incomplete degree) AND TWO or more years' experience working with the public.
OR
High School graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND FOUR or more years' experience in a closely related position such as: Public Financial Worker, Child Support Specialist, or Program Associate/Case Aid.

Candidate must be proficient at keyboard skills including typing at least 35 WPM.

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.

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. Demonstrates a commitment to support cultural diversity County wide and actively supports the County's diversity initiatives and works to address the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
2. Interview Dakota County residents to assess their needs, gather information, and determine what governmental or community resources can meet those needs.
3. Provide services by assessing and determining financial assistance program eligibility.
4. Coordinate services by collaborating with staff and external service providers.
5. Reassess clients' needs and eligibility criteria to determine continued program eligibility and ensure their well-being as required or needed.
6. Represent the agency in administrative-type settings related to program eligibility, including appeals.
7. Represent the agency in internal and external work groups and advisory committees, document and prepare presentations.
8. Provide training on programs, work methods, and procedures to other agency staff.

• 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 a persons' social, economic, emotional, and health needs.
• 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 investigative interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Some knowledge of income and asset types and their relationship to public assistance program eligibility.
• Must possess a high level of analytical skills.
• 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 work both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work under stress and use discretion in making decisions.
• Ability to prioritize work according to client and agency needs.
• Ability to effectively keyboard and manage electronic documents.

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background check(s)