Experienced Financial Assistance Specialist II (FAS II)

Program Eligibility Specialist (FAS II)

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive DEPARTMENT: Employment & Economic Assistance HOURS: Full-Time (40 hours per week). PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $58,606 - $73,257 annually FULL SALARY RANGE: $58,606 - $91,571 annually (Grade 106) LOCATION: West St. Paul UNION: AFSCME 306 CLOSE DATE: Continuous posting with first review of candidates on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Note: This posting is limited to applicants who have at least 24 months of recent experience determining eligibility for public assistance benefits in Minnesota, or who have been out of the position for no more than 6 months but previously held at least 2 years of such experience. This posting will be used to fill multiple positions.

What you will do: In this position, you will evaluate Dakota County residents' basic needs, health and well-being are met by assessing clients' economic, social, and health-related issues in order to accurately determine public assistance program eligibility. We have several new positions for this posting. The new positions are working with health care programs in METs or MAXIS. Knowledge of other public assistance programs in addition in Medicaid/MNsure is welcome. We also expect to have positions open for programs such as SNAP, MFIP, GA/MSA, Child Care, and Emergency Assistance. Please apply if you have experience in any program area. This position is for someone who enjoys working with people and on computers, plus has an interest in helping individuals or families in times of financial crisis. Financial Assistance Specialists are often the first line of defense against poverty. We use in depth analysis of information received from internal and external customers, and multiple data sources. This career requires attention to detail, quality customer service and strong interpersonal communication skills.

Examples of Some Work Performed in this Position

1. Determine eligibility for multiple public assistance programs, complete interviews, and review and verify information received from multiple sources.
2. Review household information periodically to ensure accurate ongoing eligibility.
3. Communicate program rules and requirements, benefit levels, expectations, and timelines to customers.
4. Calculate benefit amounts per county, state, and federal program guidelines.
5. Data entry into multiple state and county computer systems.
6. Provide case management on individual or team caseload.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution.
OR
• Associate's degree in Public Financial Worker Program AND two years' experience working with the public.
OR
• Associate's degree OR completion of at least 90 quarter credits AND two years' experience working with the public.
OR
• High School graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND four or more years' experience in a closely related position such as: Public Financial Worker, Child Support Specialist, or Program Associate/Case Aid.
AND must be proficient at keyboard skills including typing at least 35 WPM. To be eligible for hire, an applicant must successfully complete a background check and meet the criminal history background criteria required to access certain networks/systems necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. The law and/or County policy will disqualify applicants with a particular criminal history background from employment in this position.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Interview Dakota County residents to assess their needs, gather information, and determine what governmental or community resources can meet those needs.
2. Counsel and advise residents on viable life options and promote self-sufficiency. Assess clients' ability to become self-sufficient by identifying client's strengths and weaknesses.
3. Determine clients' economic, social, and health-related issues. Provide services by assessing and determining financial assistance program eligibility.
4. Coordinate services by collaborating with staff and external service providers.
5. Reassess clients' needs and eligibility criteria to determine continued program eligibility and ensure their well-being as required or needed.
6. Represent the agency in legal settings and interview clients and their legal representatives.
7. Represent the agency in internal and external work groups and advisory committees, document and prepare presentations.
8. Provide training on programs, work methods, and procedures to other agency staff.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems.
• Knowledge of investigative interviewing techniques including de-escalation approaches.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of psychology, mental and physical illness, developmental disabilities, adult, and child protection criteria.
• Knowledge of real and personal property, estate and ownership laws, and their relationship to public assistance program eligibility.
• Must possess a high level of analytical skills.
• Considerable ability to work effectively with the public, department, and County associates in a professional manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work under stress and use discretion in making decisions.
• Ability to prioritize work according to client and agency needs.
• Ability to assess a persons' social, economic, emotional, and health needs.

Work Environment: Work is hybrid performed in mostly a remote environment after initial training. There will be times that require work within a County office building or designated off-site location such as but not limited to minimum monthly in-office presence, team meetings, gathering necessary work equipment, completing required trainings or forms for employment. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to laptop, printer, calculator, and telephone.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background check(s)

About Dakota County

Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County employs nearly 2000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique; we offer important careers – like the Program Eligibility Specialist (FAS II)- that make a difference in people's lives. You will not be just another employee; you'll be a valued employee making a difference in the lives of Dakota County residents every single day. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.