Eligibility Specialist

Hiring Range $29.08 – $34.21 per hour (Full Pay: $27.37 – $41.06 per hour). Job Summary Performs a variety of tasks related to determining eligibility for public assistance programs, including cash, emergency, food support, county burial, and health care programs. Reviews cases and program rules to ensure complete and accurate case documentation. Exercises professional judgment, critical thinking, and in-depth analysis of information collected from clientele and multiple data sources to determine financial eligibility for programs. Key Responsibilities Determine eligibility through processing applications, renewals, and changes in circumstances for all programs in accordance with federal, state, and county policies and procedures. Interpret, explain, and guide clients through complex and frequently changing policies for multiple programs; serve as a client resource and advocate. Review, analyze, and interpret complex tax, financial, and legal documents as needed for specific program eligibility requirements; consult with the County Attorney’s office as required. Code MMIS billing systems accurately and timely with enrollees’ eligibility, allowing payments to health care providers. Coordinate, collaborate, and correspond with internal and external providers to ensure clients have access to and are informed about all available services. Maintain accurate client case records within the county’s electronic document management system. Maintain current knowledge of multiple complex program policies for all programs and share that knowledge with residents and program participants. Enroll participants in managed health care plans; determine cost effectiveness of employer‑offered health insurance and reimburse eligible participants. Utilize and navigate between multiple case and document management systems for access to benefit information; conduct manual eligibility determinations as needed. Represent the county in appeal hearings in the presence of a Human Services judge; prepare appeal summaries citing relevant policy and statute. Operate within laws governing data privacy and freedom of information. Work the assigned hours and shifts, beginning and ending on time. Perform other related duties as required or assigned. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED and 4 years of related work experience in a position involving health and human services or program eligibility for public assistance benefits. High school diploma or GED plus one year of post‑secondary education and 2 years of related experience. Associate’s Degree and 1 year of related experience, or Bachelor’s Degree in human services, business, or accounting. Recent public assistance eligibility experience; bilingual abilities strongly preferred. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to multitask in an environment with changing priorities. Reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities. Supervisory Controls Employee reports to an Eligibility Supervisor and follows established procedures and guidelines. Work is reviewed regularly by State Quality Control reviewers, supervisors, or trainers. Employee may provide training and assistance to other employees. Core Competencies and Abilities Customer Service – Delivers respectful, responsive, solution‑oriented government services. Communication – Clear about actions and reasons. Collaboration – Works with community partners to provide complementary services. Stewardship – Invests proactively, guided by resident input, to transform lives, communities, and government. Empowerment – Affirms strengths, develops skills, and promotes self‑reliance. Resiliency – Responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies. Innovation – Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively. Knowledge – Statutory, regulatory, program, operational, and community resource knowledge. Ability to analyze facts and methodically problem‑solve. Ability to organize and coordinate work activities. Ability to maintain effective working relationships. Ability to prepare reports and process detailed information accurately and rapidly. Ability to maintain accurate and systematic records. Ability to use MS Office software. Ability to use discretion with confidential matters. Work Environment & Physical Demands Office setting, 40 hours/week. Some field work may be required. Work is multi‑task oriented and may involve periods of stress. Physical demands include reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting up to 35 pounds, and repetitive motions. Selection Process Based on minimum qualification screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection includes background check and approval by the County Board. Work Location Shakopee, MN Benefits Health Insurance – Four‑tier plan option available Dental Insurance – Four‑tier plan option available Life Insurance, Flexible (Pre‑Tax) Spending Accounts, Post‑Retirement Health Care Savings Plan, Long‑Term Disability 11 paid holidays annually; paid time off (PTO) or vacation & sick leave; paid parental leave; employee assistance program; PRAS retirement plans; on‑site occupational health nurse; active health & safety teams, committees, and programs Short‑Term Disability; credit union membership; deferred compensation; Minnesota Benefit Association; vision plan; employee association; federal student loan forgiveness Other Information Scott County participates in E‑Verify. For accommodations during the hiring process or other questions, call the Scott County Employee Relations department at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Please reference the posting title and number. #J-18808-Ljbffr