Eligibility Specialist

Salary : $52,195.86 - $78,293.79 Annually
Location : (Ramsey County Government Center) Saint Paul, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-00500
Department: Financial Assistance Services
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: 10/20/2026 11:59 PM Central
Union: Local 151 - Human Services
FLSA Status: nonexempt


Position Summary
This vacancy is with the Financial Assistance Services department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department.
Eligibility Specialists spend much of their workday working at a computer while managing multiple responsibilities and deadlines. The work includes taking and making client phone calls, responding to electronic communications, processing applications and casework, and maintaining accurate information in multiple computer systems. Staff must be able to adjust to changing priorities, shifting program policies and procedures, and varying workload demands while maintaining accuracy, productivity, and professional service to residents.

Successful completion of a structured onboarding and training program is a requirement of this position. Candidates should anticipate working full-time in the office during the first 4 months of employment and limited availability for time off during this period to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the role. Consistent attendance throughout the onboarding and training period is essential.

• The anticipated start date is January/February 2027.
• The starting wage for this position is $25.09/hour. This does not include the anticipated annual wage adjustment that is expected for January 2027.

To assist Ramsey County residents in connecting to, or maintaining a connection to, the resources available to meet their economic and social service needs. To serve residents by determining eligibility for various public assistance programs; evaluate eligibility for additional programs; support program participants in achieving the highest possible degree of independence from public assistance; support participants in addressing those barriers that prevent them from achieving and maintaining self-sufficiency; communicate program purposes and apply policies to individuals in a clear, polite, professional and culturally sensitive manner; and perform related duties as assigned.
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Flexible Workplace : This position is identified under the designation of 'flex work eligible', meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county's flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County's Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy
Examples of Work Performed

1. Conduct interviews and determine eligibility for various public assistance programs; review and ensure accuracy of related documentation; and approve and issue benefits.
2. Communicate professionally in person, on the phone, electronically, and virtually with residents providing residents with information on available financial assistance programs, describing program requirements and eligibility, program time limits, expectations, and other program requirements; and assist residents with completing applications and other program documents.
3. Update and maintain county and state computer systems to ensure accuracy and availability of information.
4. Assist potential and current residents with finding resources that can help them meet their needs and make appropriate referrals to programs and other community resources.
5. Maintain detailed knowledge of the current requirements of multiple public assistance programs through meetings, training sessions and the review of appropriate literature.
6. Prepare documents and represent the county at appeal hearings.
7. Maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal state and local standards.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: High School Graduation.
Experience: Three years of clerical, customer service or client service experience or completion of the Human Services Pathway Program with one year of clerical, customer service or client service experience.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Certifications/Licensure: None.

Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for Eligibility Specialist will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions - do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.


Eligible List : The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an Eligibility Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 90 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of 50% or higher will be forwarded to the department for further consideration.

Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process . Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application. Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation : Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9. Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.


To print a paper application for this posting click You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.


For further information regarding this posting, please contact:
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
  • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance - three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
  • MetLife Dental Insurance - two plan options offered
  • VSP Vision Insurance - Advantage Plan offered

• Pre-tax Benefit Program
  • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan

• Paid time off
  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
  • 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
  • Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay

• Retirement benefits
  • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
  • New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
  • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation

• Transit and parking
  • Fully funded Metropass.
  • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account

• Employee well-being
  • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
  • Wellness programming
  • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions

• Life Insurance and Disability leave
  • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
  • Long-term Disability - County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee's lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
  • Short-term Disability - option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period

• Career development
  • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
  • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
  • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee resource groups - help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2026 benefits, visit:
01


*Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.

• Yes
• No

02


*Please select the option that best applies to you if you have completed or are currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County.

• HIRED Partnership Program
• Project for Pride in Living (PPL) Partnership Program
• PineTech Human Services Eligibility Worker Certificate
• Ramsey County Workforce Solutions
• Ramsey County Internship (including Right Track Plus)
• Fellowship at Ramsey County
• Limited-Duration Assignment at Ramsey County
• Provisional Assignment at Ramsey County
• Temporary Employment at Ramsey County
• Work Experience Program (e.g., Young Adult Career Academy)
• Job Shadow Experience at Ramsey County
• No, I have not participated in any of the above

03


*Select the option that best describes your highest level of completed education.

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

04


*If you indicated in the previous question that you have a degree, please describe below your field of study, the name of the school, and type of degree. If you have other formal training and certifications related to this position, you may include that here. If you do not have a degree/college credit, please write N/A in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.
05


Which best describes your clerical, customer service or client service experience? (This experience must also be clearly listed in your Work History.)

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience but less than 2 years
• At least 2 years of experience but less than 3 years
• At least 3 years of experience but less than 4 years
• 4 years of experience or more

06


*Describe the experience indicated in question above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."
07


Do you have more than six months of full-time experience determining and approving eligibility for Minnesota public assistance benefits in MAXIS, METS, or MEC2? (This experience is typically gained through a government employer.)

• Yes
• No

08


Which best describes your experience providing direct customer or client service to people from diverse cultural backgrounds or with different perspectives?

• No experience: I have not had this type of experience.
• Limited experience: I have done this infrequently or with significant direction or assistance.
• Some experience: I have done this occasionally and am comfortable interacting with people with different backgrounds or perspectives.
• Substantial experience: I regularly provide this type of service and interact effectively with people with different backgrounds or perspectives.
• Extensive experience: I frequently provide this type of service and consistently adapt my approach to interact respectfully and effectively with people with different backgrounds or perspectives.

09


Which best describes your experience providing direct customer or client service to people who may be upset, frustrated, or experiencing challenging situations?

• No experience: I have not had this type of experience.
• Limited experience: I have done this infrequently or with significant direction or assistance.
• Some experience: I have done this occasionally and have helped address challenging situations.
• Substantial experience: I regularly provide this type of service and effectively resolve or help resolve challenging situations.
• Extensive experience: I frequently provide this type of service and consistently respond respectfully and effectively, successfully resolving or helping to resolve challenging situations.

10


Describe the experience you indicated in questions 8 and 9 above. Also include employer name, length of employment and relevant job duties. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the box below.
11


Which best describes your years of experience using a computer to input, retrieve, and modify information, and perform data entry?

• No experience
• Less than 6 months of experience
• At least 6 months of experience but less than 1 year
• At least 1 year of experience but less than 2 years
• At least 2 years of experience but less than 4 years
• 4 years of experience or more

12


Describe the experience you indicated in question 11 above. Also include employer name, length of employment and relevant job duties. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the box below.
13


Which best describes your experience performing work that requires a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail?

• No experience: I have not had this type of experience.
• Limited experience: I have done this with significant direction or assistance.
• Some experience: I have done this with some independence.
• Substantial experience: I regularly do this independently.
• Extensive experience: I regularly do this independently in complex or challenging situations.

14


Describe the experience you indicated in question 13 above. Also include employer name, length of employment and relevant job duties. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the box below.
15


Which best describes your experience reading, learning, and applying written information, instructions, policies, procedures, or other detailed materials to complete your work accurately?

• No experience: I have not had this type of experience.
• Limited experience: I have done this with significant direction or assistance.
• Some experience: I have done this with some independence.
• Substantial experience: I regularly do this independently with detailed information, instructions, or procedures.
• Extensive experience: I regularly do this independently with complex or detailed information, including new or changing procedures.

16


Describe the experience you indicated in question 15 above. Also include employer name, length of employment and relevant job duties. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the box below.
17


Which best describes your experience organizing and prioritizing multiple tasks, responsibilities, or competing demands while maintaining productivity and meeting established deadlines or timeframes?

• No experience: I have not had this type of experience.
• Limited experience: I have done this with significant direction or assistance.
• Some experience: I have done this with some independence and guidance.
• Substantial experience: I regularly manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines or timeframes.
• Extensive experience: I regularly manage competing priorities, adjust to changing demands, and consistently meet deadlines or timeframes.

18


Describe the experience you indicated in question 17 above. Also include employer name, length of employment and relevant job duties. If you do not have experience in this area enter "N/A" in the box below.
19


The starting wage for this position is $25.09 per hour, with possible adjustment based on directly related experience and county pay practices. This does not include the anticipated annual wage increase that is expected for January 2027. Does this wage meet your expectations?

• Yes
• No

Required Question