Eligibility Worker

Salary: $27.67 - $38.74 Hourly
Location : Faribault, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-045
Department: Social Services
Opening Date: 08/26/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Central
Max Number of Applicants: 100


Job Summary

The Eligibility Worker assists Rice County residents in obtaining or maintaining accessibility to multiple complex public assistance resources and programs available to meet their economic and social service needs according to federal, state and county program policies; as first line of defense to poverty while being good stewards of taxpayer money. This position communicates public assistance program purposes, requirements and applies policies to individuals in a clear, polite, professional and culturally sensitive manner. This position must determine client eligibility for multiple federal and state cash assistance, food support, healthcare, emergency assistance, county burials and childcare assistance programs. This position must make determination or redetermination of benefit amounts accurately and timely while staying current on all federal and state legislative changes and apply them to program policy.

Examples of Duties

• Determine initial and ongoing financial assistance eligibility in particular program areas by scheduling interview appointments with applicants, completing applications and verifying financial status.
• Maintain case records with case notes, updating METS/MAXIS/Childcare computer system, recording changes within guidelines.
• Respond to inquiries by other providers regarding case status within established guidelines.
• Attend staff meetings, seminars, training and workshops to obtain information as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :
The job requires a high school diploma and three years of clerical experience, or experience working with the public, OR a high school diploma and two years clerical experience in a social services/human services agency, OR two years of study at an accredited two or four year college or university or similar institution, with emphasis in the behavioral sciences, business, or closely related subjects (at least 23 quarter credits or 16 semester credits) and one year of clerical experience, OR successful completion of the technical college Public Welfare Eligibility Worker diploma program (applicants must be within six months of completion of the program). Successful completion of the technical college Public Welfare Eligibility Worker certificate program will substitute for one year of the required clerical experience or experience working with the public.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
Experience as an Eligibility Worker. Experience with METS/MAXIS, and specialized childcare computer systems. Experience in position requiring usage of interviewing skills. Experience in position dealing with the public requiring knowledge of human behavior. Bi-lingual in Somali or Spanish language.
Supplemental Information
HIRING RANGE / UNION: $27.67 - $28.91 per hour / SS Unit - Grade 8

HOURS: Normal business hours are 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday. Full-time hours equal 40 hours per week.
Rice County offers a complete benefit package including medical, dental, life insurance, pension, holiday, vacation, sick leave and long-term disability insurance.

County employees are eligible for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

For additional information, please follow the link to the Rice County website:
01


Answers to the Supplemental Questions must be supported by the "Education," "Work Experience" or "Skills" section of the job application. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided on your application. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during a hiring interview.By completing this supplemental evaluation you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any information you provide may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal.

• I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.
• I do not agree to the above information.

02


Which best represents your level of education and professional experience by the date of the job closing?

• High School Diploma or GED and three years of clerical experience or experience working with the public.
• High School Diploma or GED and two years clerical experience in a social services/human services agency.
• Two years of study at an accredited two or four year college or university with emphasis in the behavioral sciences, business or closely related subjects (at least 23 quarter credits or 16 semester credits) and one year clerical experience.
• Successful completion of the technical college Public Welfare Financial Worker diploma program (applicants must be within six months of the completion of the program).
• None of the above.

03


Which best represents your years of experience as a County Financial Eligibility Worker?

• Less than one year of experience
• Less than 2 years of experience
• Greater than two years of experience
• No experience.

04


If you answered B or C to question 3, please identify the name of the county where you obtained this experience.
05


Which best describes your experience in a position other than retail sales that required you to use mathematics on a daily basis?

• Less than one year of experience
• Less than two years of experience
• Greater than two years of experience

06


If you answered B or C to question 5, please identify the name/s of the employers where you obtained this experience.
07


Which best describes your experience working with customers to resolve their complaints?

• Less than one year of experience
• Less than two years of experience
• Greater than two years of experience

08


If you answered B or C to question 7, please identify the name/s of the employers where you obtained this experience.
09


Which best describes your experience conducting customer interviews in a position other than retail sales?

• Less than one year experience
• Less than two years of experience
• Greater than two years of experience

10


If you answered B or C to question 9, please identify the names/s of the employers where you obtained this experience.
11


Which best describes your experience interpreting policies to complete your work?

• Less than one year experience
• Less than two years experience
• Greater than two years experience

12


If you answered B or C to question 11, please identify the name/s of the employers where you obtained this experience.
13


Which best describes your experience maintaining accurate customer records?

• Less than one year experience
• Less than two years experience
• Greater than two years experience

14


If you answered B or C to question 13, please identify the name/s of the employers where you obtained this experience.
15


Which best describes your clerical experience in a fast-paced work environment?

• Less than one year experience
• Less than two years experience
• Greater than two years experience

16


If you answered B or C to question 15, please identify the name/s of the employer where you obtained this experience.
17


Which best describes your experience being able to speak, read, write either Somali or Spanish languages in addition to English?

• I am able to speak, read and write both English and Somali
• I am able to speak, read and write both English and Spanish
• I am not able to speak, read or write in either Somali or Spanish

Required Question