Eligibility Worker

Eligibility Worker

Otter Tail County is accepting applications for an Eligibility Worker. The purpose of this position is to provide information and determine initial and ongoing eligibility to applicants/recipients for Income Maintenance Programs and to participate and plan implementation of unit goals, policy, and procedures. Applications for this position will be accepted until 4:30pm on October 1, 2026.

• Perform intake and screens potential applicants to public assistance programs
• Conduct interview to assess initial eligibility for public assistance programs
• Issue cash, food support, child care, and health care program assistance
• Refer clients to community agencies as needed
• Explain eligibility criteria to the public, social workers and estate planning professionals
• Performs case management for ongoing cases
• Make frequent telephone and personal contact with clients to maintain accurate information and add or end assistance programs as needed
• Respond to financial crisis by assessing eligibility for emergency programs or making a referral
• Prepare correspondence and respond to inquiries
• Process reports generated by a computer match such as the Income Eligibility Verification System
• Understand and implement the appeals process when needed. Represent the agency during the appeal hearing
• Administrative tasks:
• Attend staff and supervisor/supervision meetings as scheduled
• Attend conferences as scheduled or agreed upon with supervisor
• Attend trainings as related to job responsibilities
• Complete documentation, agency timesheets, and employee records in a timely manner
• Communicate schedule changes with supervisor
• Utilize the status (In/Out) Board consistently to keep agency staff aware of availability
• Utilize SSIS as the case management system, including time documentation, case notes, documents and other systems as applicable
• Perform other duties as assigned
• May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Driver's license valid in Minnesota
• Qualified applicants must also have one of the following:
• Three years of administrative support experience or experience working with the public.
• Two years of experience in a social services/human services agency.
• Associate's Degree, with emphasis in the behavioral sciences, business, or closely related subjects.
• Public Welfare Eligibility Worker diploma (applicants must be within six months of completion of the program).
• Or any combination of the above that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

This is a full-time, 40 hours/week position, and generally the work hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m. The 2026 starting salary is $23.97 per hour, depending on qualifications, with career advancement to $38.51 per hour.

The selection process will include an online employment application and the supplemental questionnaire. The questionnaire will be emailed to candidates following the closing date and candidates will be given a deadline to return the responses. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Prior to hire, finalist will be required to pass a background investigation and reference check. A standard one-year probationary period applies.

To apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. On-line applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees of Otter Tail County have access to the information submitted. When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete.

Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference. All employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include, but are not limited to, gathering information from the following sources:
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant. Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its…