Eligibility Specialist

Position Summary The Eligibility Specialist Worker is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the determination of eligibility of clients for income maintenance and healthcare programs and services. This position must determine the eligibility of clients for federal and state public assistance, while providing high-quality customer service. Salary The intended hiring wage for this position is $24.76 per hour. Location Benton County Human Services Department - Door number 5 Application Deadline Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Interview Process Initial interviews may be conducted by phone or in person. Dates and times are TBD. Please monitor your email for updates and scheduling information. Duties and Responsibilities A. Provide client services to internal and external customers in-person, by phone, mail, fax, or email responding to requests for information, services or referring to appropriate sources within Human Services. B. Perform data entry into multiple county and state computer systems and retrieve information from those systems. C. Serve as first point of contact for client services: Answer, return and resolve client phone calls. The use of an interpreter may be required. Utilize and maintain phone call processing system. Assist as a navigator for clientele outreach and referrals. D. Process and assist with Financial Unit programs: Schedule interviews with applicants, assist with completing applications, verify financial status, and refer to other services. Conduct client interviews in person or by phone and verify the information received. Establish and maintain eligibility and provide client case management. E. Provide assistance and support as assigned: Sort, prepare, and distribute incoming mail to the appropriate person or unit. Process incoming faxes and mail to an electronic imaging system. Provide support and backup duties throughout the financial Unit as assigned. Assist clients in completing forms pertaining to the Financial Unit. Prepare application materials. Complete forms for collections, law offices, and/or other title companies for potential estate claims. F. Maintain cases on MAXIS, MMIS, METS, MEC2, and EBT-EDGE systems. Enter and process client applications, including information verifications for all programs such as SNAP, MA, MFIP, DWP, MSA, GA, RCA, EA, EGA, HS, and others as needed. G. Communicate program requirements, maintain caseloads, manage transfers, update systems, prepare monthly reports, and verify new information. H. Provide education, enrollment, and assistance to managed healthcare enrollees. I. Collaborate with Employment and Training staff on MFIP, DWP, and SNAP cases. J. Collect and analyze complex financial documents. K. Ensure case accuracy for audits, reviews, and quality control. L. Prepare for and attend appeal hearings. M. Respond to Financial Unit client complaints. N. Compute and file overpayments and fraud referrals. O. Approve and issue vendor payments. P. Support program participants in achieving the highest degree of independence and addressing barriers to self-sufficiency. Q. Assist as a navigator for clientele outreach and referrals. R. Communicate with other colleagues regarding policies, training, and changes to programs. S. Coordinate client information with other agencies. Additional Functions A. Attend trainings as needed. B. Explain and interpret state and federal policies. C. Maintain data privacy per state and federal laws. D. Perform other duties as assigned or apparent. Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent. Three years of relevant experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota. Must successfully complete a background check. Must complete and pass pre‑employment testing. Must obtain and maintain required certifications and licensure; ability to obtain DHS SNAP training and DHS‑specific training within 6 months of hire. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge and skill in clerical and accounting functions, Microsoft Office Suite, and computer database operation. Ability to provide optimal customer service skills. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with strong positive public relations skills. Effective communication with departments and clients based on information and facts. Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and policies governing income maintenance programs. Knowledge of interviewing techniques and skills in conducting interviews. Knowledge of other sources of financial support, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, veterans’ benefits, worker’s compensation, and disability insurance/pension programs. Basic computation and mathematical skills. Ability to explain and interpret complex laws, rules, policies, and regulations. Ability to maintain frequent public contact, including with hostile or uncooperative individuals. Effective communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to handle confidential information and follow data practices requirements. Ability to work under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved. Ability to apply procedures, policies, and/or precedents requiring analytical ability and inductive thinking in adapting policies, procedures, and methods to fit unusual and complex situations. Ability to travel within the workplace and within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays. Ability to work extended, evening and weekend hours as needed. Perform physical and mental demands of the work environment for this position. Must comply with organizational and departmental policies. Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours as necessary. Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers. Comply with data practices policies and standards relative to private data, ensuring data is accessed only as necessary and stored according to county policies and Minnesota Statutes. Physical Demands & Working Conditions Work is performed in an office setting; occasional headaches and eye strain are common. The position is light duty and sedentary with ability to lift, carry or push up to 10 pounds. It involves mental effort and stress, requiring moderate attention to detail and deadlines. Hours of Work Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Flexible scheduling opportunities may be available. Equipment Utilized Office equipment, computer, and phones. Benton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The County Board, County Administrator, or appropriate Elected Official retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time. #J-18808-Ljbffr