Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These examples of typical duties do not include all possible tasks for this classification and do not limit the assignment of related tasks. Regular attendance according to the department's approved work schedule is required for all Sherburne County positions.

Intake and Eligibility Determinations:
Determine initial eligibility and continuing eligibility for public assistance programs by conducting in-person interviews; collecting and analyzing factual and sensitive data; verifying income, assets, household composition and other eligibility criteria as mandated by the Federal, State and County rules and regulations.

Ongoing Case Management: 
Act on client information received via phone calls, correspondence, and computer interfaces regarding ongoing eligibility. All work must be prioritized by daily, weekly, and monthly duties to coincide with deadlines established by state programs while remaining flexible for client appointments and emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience**: High School Diploma/GED and successful completion of the MN State College Public Welfare Financial Worker program plus 1 year of clerical experience or experience working directly with the public.

OR

High School Diploma/GED and 4 years of experience working with the public in a customer service-related field or equivalent education plus work experience.

2 years of experience determining any public assistance programs including Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Cash Assistance Programs (GA, MSA, MFIP, DWP), Housing Support or Medical Assistance

**Long Term Care Eligibility Specialist requires other state certifications, as well.

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications: 

• Previous experience working with and/or approving public assistance programs within a city, county, state, or federal human services department .
• Previous experience processing Long Term Care Medical Assistance applications and ongoing case maintenance.
• Direct customer service with the public.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication skills over the phone and in person.
• Bilingual.
• Ability to understand continuously evolving procedures and policies.

Other training which is desirable for the position: 
Ability to use the following computer information systems:

• Zingtree (interactive decision tree software)
• Finesse
• Compass
• MEC2 (Minnesota Electronic Child Care System)
• METS (Minnesota Eligibility Technology System)
• SSIS (Social Services Information System)
• MMIS (Medicaid Management Information System)
• MAXIS (MAXIS is the name of the computer system used by state and county workers to determine eligibility for public assistance and health care)
• CaseWorks (information platform for managing content, processes, and cases)
• AdobeSign (e-signature application)
• Microsoft Office, particularly:
  • SharePoint
  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint

Supplemental Information

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal and State structure, rules and policies governing Income Maintenance Programs.
• Ability to analyze problems and assist in establishing procedures for their resolution.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in a timely manner.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to make objective decisions.
• Ability to interpret complex rules and policies as they apply to programs.

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees 

• Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's vision, mission, and values.
• Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and county-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
• Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Informs immediate supervisor of all-important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
• Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
• Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
• Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.

 Hiring Salary Range: $25.65 to $35.93

Union: Teamsters

Number of Vacancies: 1

Hours of Work: This position has a usual work schedule of 20 hours per week between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include occasional evening and weekend hours. There is opportunity for a flexible schedule and hybrid work environment (in office/work from home) after successful completion of training period.