Financial Eligibility Worker

: Job Summary Job Location: North Branch, MN Performs work managing cases by processing reviews, reviewing cases for completeness and documentation, processing fraud referrals, claims and appeals, assessing and explaining technical and sensitive information to clients, determining initial eligibility, sorting reports and filing documents, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of Financial Assistance Supervisor. Apply online at Minnesota Merit System by January 19, 2024 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Essential Functions To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Responsible for determining initial eligibility for the Income Maintenance Programs of: AFDC, GA, WR, MA, SLMB, QMB, QWD, Food Stamps, in accordance with State and Federal regulations. Interview clients face-to-face to obtain information to substantiate independent decisions of eligibility determinations. Determine immediate need for emergency assistance, expedited food stamps, MA for pregnant women, and for County Burials. Inform client of rights and responsibilities. Assist client in accurately completing forms (i.e., clarify questions) Review all forms for accuracy and completeness. Follow up by requesting necessary documentation. Explain agency services and other community programs and services available and make referrals as appropriate. Explain planning services, EPSDT, data privacy requirements, use of MA card, the right of appeal, STRIDE, Work Readiness, Child Support, fuel assistance, food shelf, Social Services, Legal Aid, Unemployment Comp., Worker's Comp., WIC, VA, Transportation, TAP and MN care. Set up case file, maintain complete and accurate case records. Enter MAXIS system and correct computer problems that may exist within the case. Evaluate client(s) circumstances to determine need for referrals to other agencies and community resources. Determine eligibility and effective date for each program (cash, medical and food stamps) and process and approve case accordingly. Responsible for determining eligibility for and issuing initial cash grant(s). Authorize issuance of cash for persons on caseload. Responsible for issuing initial food stamps (initial month, dual issuance, expedited services; and determining continued eligibility for next month. Authorize issuance of initial medical assistance and food stamp card. Ongoing case maintenance. Process eligibility reviews and household income reports monthly, quarterly, adjust all issuances, and redetermine medical eligibility as required for ongoing cases. Review report forms for completeness, accuracy and any changes such as income, resources, people entering or leaving the home, signature and date. Act upon any changes in circumstances such as marital status, signature, and date. Make sure all income and resources are verified and documented. Monitor timely 10-day notice to notify client of closings due to lack of income verifications, failure to return HRF, etc., or change in monthly grant due to increase/decrease of income. Enter accurate computer data into MAXIS, determine if results are correct, and approve within required time constraints. Conduct mandatory face-to face interviews and review determination recertification to verify on-going eligibility for the public assistance programs. Determine eligibility for emergency assistance (shutoffs, evictions, etc.,) special need items, and emergency needs as requested by clients. Authorize necessary correspondence and file documentation, exercising judgment and discretion in evaluating each case. Write case notes in MAXIS. Respond to client phone calls and walk-ins" inquiries and make appropriate changes in MAXIS. Additional case maintenance Determine caseload priority, utilizing procedures and techniques to manage combination caseload. Review monthly reports and initiate required actions within mandated time requirements. Example: Worker messages, ER list, HIIF, IEVS, TIKL, DAID, E-Mail, M106, error report, etc. Notify other units and or agencies of changes as appropriate (Social Services, IV-D, etc.) Act as resource person, providing advice and consultation to other agency personnel. Recalculate grant amounts to determine underpayment and overpayments and initiate collections. Accept addendums to add people to household, obtain all necessary information and documentation, and determine eligibility. Prepare cases for transfer to other counties and review and update incoming transfers. Maintain contact with other county personnel regarding transfer. All work must be completed accurately and within acceptable error rates established by the State to avoid county sanctions. Acquire and retain a thorough knowledge of all programs. Research and interpret all written materials (manual material, instructional bulletins, A & C memos, policy center responses, Poli Temp, MAXIS memos, and E-mail installs; serve as resource person for program questions; assist in developing forms or procedures to implement assigned program changes within deadlines prescribed. Determine assistance units and household size according to program rules. Knowledge of all programs is necessary to determine if MAXIS results are correct before approved. Attend training and bring information back to other workers. Obtain a thorough understanding of income tax returns, financial statements, business ledgers, contract for deed, burial contracts, purchase agreements, trust accounts and other legal documents. Perform other work and special projects as assigned. Respond to medical providers, landlords and legal aid within data privacy laws. Utilize interviewing skills to obtain all information that applies to eligibility. Appeals Assist client with appeal statements. Be responsible for preparing and presenting information at appeal hearing supporting county agency decisions, as necessary; review supporting documents (evidence) and statutory references with County Attorney and Legal Aide Counsel; also, appeals referee. Fraud Refer questionable information from applicant for Fraud Prevention Investigation. Refer and assist in suspected fraud of ongoing cases. Testify in court and present information for County Attorney as necessary State Medical Review Team (SMRT) Obtain medical and psychological data from professionals. Refer data to SMRT for determination of disability, Assist in obtaining information as requested by SMRT. Cost Effectiveness Determine cost effectiveness in certain situations (TEFRA, MA-PW, certain family coverage, etc.) Submit cost effective forms with documentation for state approval. STRIDE-Work Readiness Refer mandatory persons for orientation job search. Social Services Mandatory referrals for suspected abuse and neglect, and for minors requiring service plan. Refer for money management, family problems, etc. Child Support Refer absent parent information for processing Update any changes in circumstances. Serve in the following areas: When new clients request emergency help other than at intake time, determine eligibility for expedited services and take appropriate actions to meet the timelines for processing. Provide backup and coverage for assigned workers during periods of absence. Coverage would include processing income reports and eligibility reviews. Act as a resource person for staff by maintaining a working knowledge of community and area resources and referral processes. Maintain a good working relationship with clients, co-workers, and supervisors. Desired Minimum Qualifications Desired Minimum Qualifications High School diploma or GED and moderate experience, or a combination of equivalent education and experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Complete knowledge of all financial programs and MAXIS computer. Considerable knowledge of all community resources and agency operation. Knowledge of human behavior. Interviewing skills and maintaining a good relationship with clients, co-workers, and the public. Ability to make decisions accurately and in a timely manner. Be able to organize large volumes of work with deadline. Physical Demands Working Conditions The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands, physical agility, sensory requirements, and environmental exposures required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. This classification occasionally involves physical agility requirements such as: climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, repetitive motions and manual dexterity. Sensory requirements include standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing ideas by means of the spoken word; and hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting. Physical Exertion (Pounds) Up to 10 Occasional Up to 25 Occasional Up to 50 Seldom Up to 100 Seldom 100 or more Seldom Additional Information Tools and Equipment Used Calculator, copier, telephone, MAXIS, printer. Disclaimer Applicants for appointment to this position will be required to submit a formal application and may be subject to rating of education and experience, oral interview and/or reference check, background investigation, criminal history check, drug testing. Job related tests may be required of any applicant. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. This does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee as is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Application Special Instructions Must be Merit System Eligible and on the register to be interviewed and considered. Apply online at