Salary : $4,064.67 - $5,577.87 Monthly Location : MN 56329, MN Job Type: Full-Time (Union) Job Number: 2024-34-4 Department: Human Services Division: Income Maintenance / ISS Opening Date: 05/21/2024 Closing Date: Continuous Position Summary

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Benton County is currently seeking candidates and accepting applications for the role of Eligibility Specialist in the Financial Unit of our Human Services Department. *Recruitment will remain open until position is filled. * Applicants will be reviewed periodically, with the first application review date set for Tuesday, June 4th, 2024. For more information about the Benton County Human Services Department and its Financial Unit, please VISIT HERE The Hiring Wage for This Position Is $23.45 Per Hour. Position Summary The Eligibility Specialist Worker is responsible to perform a variety of tasks related to the determination of eligibility of clients for income maintenance and healthcare programs and services. This position must determine eligibility of clients for federal and state public assistance, while providing high-quality customer service. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Duties and Responsibilities Essential Functions 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 source within Human Services. B. Performs data entry into multiple county and state computer systems and retrieves information from those systems. C. Serve as first point of contact for client services: C.1. Answer, return and resolve client phone calls. C.1.1. The use of an interpreter maybe required. C.2. Utilize and maintain phone call processing system. C.3. Assist as a navigator for clientele outreach and referrals. D. Process and assist with Financial Unit programs: D.1. Schedule interview with applicants, assist with completing applications, verify financial status, and referral to other services. D.2. Conduct client interviews in person or by phone and verify information received. D.3. Establish and maintain eligibility and provide client case management. E. Provide assistance and support as assigned: E.1. Sort, prepare and distribute incoming mail to appropriate person or unit. E.2. Process incoming faxes and mail to electronic imaging system. E.3. Provide support and backup duties throughout the financial Unit as assigned. E.4. Assist clients in completing forms pertaining to Financial Unit. E.5. Prepare application materials. E.6. Complete forms for collections, law offices and/or other title companies for potential estate claims. F. Maintains cases on MAXIS, MMIS, METS, MEC2, and EBT-EDGE systems. F.1. Enter and process client applications including information verifications for all programs. G. Communicate program requirements, maintain caseloads, manage transfers, update systems, DAILS processes, prepare monthly reports and verify new information. H. Provides education, enrollment, and assistance to managed health care enrollees. I. Collaborates 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. Prepares for and attends appeal hearings. M. Responds 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, trainings, 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 - Training and Experience Required Qualifications Minimum Qualifications A. High School Diploma or Equivalent GED; and B. Three years of relevant experience; OR C. Equivalent combination of education/training/experience. Conditions of Employment A. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota. B. Must successfully complete a background check. C. Obtain and maintain certifications and licensures. C.1. Ability to obtain within six months of hire. C.1.1. DHS SNAP training and DHS specific training. D. Ability to travel within your daily work assignment. E. Ability to travel within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays. F. Ability to work extended, evening and weekend hours as needed. G. Performs physical/mental demands of the work environment requirements for this position. H. Must comply with organizational and departmental policies. I. Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours, and outside regular hours, as necessary. J. Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers. K. Must comply with data practices policies and standards relative to private data. Any access to private data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data is being accessed, employee should take reasonable measures to ensure the private data is not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished the private data must be properly stored according to county policies and the Minnesota Statutes. Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Physical Demands and Working Conditions Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities A. Knowledge and skill in clerical and accounting functions, Microsoft Office Suite, and computer database operation. B. Ability to provide optimal customer service skills. C. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral forms. D. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and have strong positive public relations skills. E. Effective communication with department and clients on basis information and facts. F. Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and policies governing income maintenance programs. G. Knowledge of interviewing techniques and skill in conducting interviews. H. Knowledge of other sources of financial support, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, veterans' benefits, worker's compensation, and disability insurance/pension programs. I. Basic computation and mathematical skills. J. Ability to explain and interpret complex laws, rules, policies, and regulations. K. Ability to maintain frequent public contact, including with hostile or uncooperative individuals. L. Effective communication skills, both oral and written. M. Ability to handle confidential information and follow data practices requirements. N. Ability to work under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved. O. 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. Physical Demands & Working Conditions A. Work is performed in an office setting. Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury. B. Work is light duty and sedentary with ability to lift, carry or push up to 10 pounds. C. This position is exposed to mental effort and stress. D. This position frequently performs work under moderate attention to detail and deadlines. Hours of Work A. Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Equipment Utilized A. Office equipment, computer, and phones. 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.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. Benton County offers an exceptional benefit package including paid time off and holiday pay. Also included in this benefit package is health, preventative dental and life insurance; medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts (Section 125 Plan); deferred compensation plan and Public Employees Retirement (pension). For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, 01 I understand that I must thoroughly complete all my answers with regard to education, experience, certificates and licenses and supplemental questions sections of my application. I must support the information I have included in my online application. I also affirm that the information provided is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. I acknowledge that the term "full-time" references to a 40-hour work week. I understand that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions. I also understand that any falsification may disqualify me for consideration for this and subsequent recruitments with Benton County for up to three years.I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or my receiving a lower examination score which may make me ineligible for further consideration in this recruitment process. Yes, I understand No 02 Note the following when responding to questions: One-year full-time experience equals 2,080 hours, or 40-hours per week. Part-time hours must be pro-rated, for instance two years working 20-hours per week equals one-year of full-time experience. Select "Yes" below if you have read and understand this. Yes, I understand No 03 A valid driver's license is required for this position. Do you possess a valid MN driver's license or are eligible to obtain such license upon offer of employment? Yes No 04 This position requires a criminal background check. If selected as the final candidate, do you consent to the background investigations related to this position? Yes, I consent No 05 Are you a current permanent employee with Benton County? Yes No 06 Which best describes your highest level of education earned (education noted must also be reflected in your online application)? Note: Please be sure to mark your highest level of education earned. If you have not yet obtained your college degree, but have at least earned a High School diploma or GED, you would mark the option High School diploma/GED, as this would be considered your highest level of education earned. Only mark the option "None of the Above", if you do not have a High School diploma or GED. High School Diploma or Equivalent GED

Year Diploma or Certificate Post High School
Year Associate's Degree

4-Year Bachelor's Degree (or Higher) None of the Above 07 If you indicated you have a diploma, certificate or degree in the above question, what area is your diploma or degree in? What institution did you receive this diploma or degree from? If no diploma or degree, type "No Diploma or Degree." 08 How many years of relevant closely related experience do you have as it pertains to this position's essential duties and responsibilities? (BEFORE ANSWERING, PLEASE REVIEW - Essential Functions listed letters A - S, along with additional functions listed letter A - D) (Experience noted must also be reflected in your online application.) 1 month to less than 1 year of relevant work experience

to less than 2 years of relevant work experience
to less than 3 years of relevant work experience
to less than 4 years of relevant work experience
to less than 5 years of relevant work experience
or more years of relevant work experience

I do not have this experience 09 Describe your relevant experience as indicated in the previous question. Also, include name of employer, job title, job duties and dates of work experience. If no experience, type "None". 10 DHS SNAP training(s) and DHS specific training(s) are required within six months of hire. Do you currently have or are able to obtain/complete such training(s) within six months of hire? (Training(s) noted must also be reflected in your online application.) Yes, I have completed DHS SNAP training(s) and DHS specific training(s). I have not completed any DHS training(s) BUT would be ABLE to obtain/complete such training(s) within six months of hire. No, I have not completed any DHS training(s) AND would be UNABLE to obtain/complete such training(s) within six months of hire. 11 If you indicated you have completed DHS SNAP training(s) and/or DHS specific training(s) in the previous question, please list training(s) completed, date(s) obtained and expiration date(s) (if applicable) of training(s).If you answered "I have not completed any DHS training(s) BUT would be ABLE to obtain/complete such training(s) within six months of hire.", then type, N/A. If you answered "No", then type, None. 12 Which best describes your experience performing clerical/office support duties in a position? (Experience noted must also be reflected in your online application.) 1 month to less than 1 year of relevant work experience

to less than 2 years of relevant work experience
to less than 3 years of relevant work experience
or more years of relevant work experience

I do not have this experience 13 Describe your experience as indicated in the previous question. Also, include the name of the employer, job title, job duties and dates of work experience. If no experience, type "None". 14 How many years of full-time work experience (in a paid capacity) as an Eligibility Specialist/Financial Worker do you have working in a position that determined client eligibility for a COUNTY and/or STATE Public assistance programs? (Note: that assisting with or advising others how to complete program applications is not determining eligibility). (Experience noted must also be reflected in your online application.) 1 month to less than 1 year of relevant experience

to less than 2 years of relevant experience
to less than 3 years of relevant experience
to less than 4 years of relevant experience
to less than 5 years of relevant experience
or more years of relevant experience

I do not have this experience 15 Describe your experience as indicated in the previous question. Also, include the name of the employer, job title, job duties and dates of work experience. If no experience, type "None". 16 AS AN EMPLOYEE OF A COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES/SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT: How many years of full-time experience (in a paid capacity) do you have working in a NON-Eligibility Specialist/Financial worker position in a County Human Services or Social Services Department? (Examples would be a Case Aide, Intake Coordinator, Office Support Specialist, etc.) (Experience noted must also be reflected in your online application.) 1 month to less than 1 year of relevant experience

to less than 2 years of relevant experience
to less than 3 years of relevant experience
to less than 4 years of relevant experience
to less than 5 years of relevant experience
or more years of relevant experience

I do not have this experience 17 Describe your experience as indicated in the previous question. Also, include the name of the employer, job title, job duties and dates of work experience. If no experience, type "None". 18 Have you completed the MnSCU Technical Colleges Public Welfare Financial Worker Program by the close of this posting? Yes No 19 Do you have experience on the statewide MAXIS computer system? Yes No 20 Describe your experience as indicated in the previous question. Also, include the name of the employer, job title, job duties and dates of work experience. If no experience, type "None". 21 Do you have experience on the statewide METS (MNSure/Health Care) computer system? Yes No 22 Describe your experience as indicated in the previous question. Also, include the name of the employer, job title, job duties and dates of work experience. If no experience, type "None". 23 This position may require you to deny applications of clients who may not qualify for benefits or services. Is this something you would be willing and able to do as part of your job? Yes No 24 This position requires you to work on a computer for at least 90% of the day. Is that something you would be willing and able to do as part of your job? Yes No 25 How many years of experience do you have handling confidential client information? (i.e. financial, medical, legal) (Experience noted must also be reflected in your online application.) 1 month to less than 1 year of relevant experience

to less than 2 years of relevant experience
to less than 3 years of relevant experience
to less than 4 years of relevant experience
to less than 5 years of relevant experience
or more years of relevant experience

I do not have this experience 26 Describe your experience as indicated in the previous question. Also, include the name of the employer, job title, job duties and dates of work experience. If no experience, type "None". 27 Select from the choices below any areas you have relevant work related experience. CHECK ALL THAT APPLY Health Care Claims Processing Employee Benefit Services Insurance/Banking/Title Company/Quotes/Processing Handling Client Appeals None of the above 28 Describe your experience as indicated in the previous question. Also, include the name of the employer, job title, job duties and dates of work experience. If no experience, type "None". 29 Veterans Preference: Veterans preference points are awarded to qualified veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans and are added to the exam results. Points are awarded subject to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 197.455. YOU MUST SUPPLY A COPY OF YOUR DD214 (Member Copy 4). Disabled veterans must also supply a Summary of Benefits Letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or an equivalent letter from a service retirement board. Spouses applying for preference points must supply their marriage certificate, the veteran's DD214 and Summary of Benefits Letter from USDVAFL or death certificate. All required documentation must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on the posted closing date. Are you applying for veteran's preference points? NO YES - veteran who served on active duty 181 or more consecutive days and received an honorable discharge - see MN Stat 197.447 YES - veteran who served on active duty 181 or more consecutive days and received an honorable discharge and has a service-connected disability. YES - spouse of a veteran who served on active duty 181 or more consecutive days and received an honorable discharge and has a service-connected disability (the Veteran must also be qualified to apply for the position, but their service-connected disability restricts them from applying for or performing the job duties) YES - spouse of a deceased veteran who served on active duty 181 or more consecutive days and received an honorable discharge and had a service-connected disability. Required Question