Experienced Financial Assistance Specialist II; FAS II

Experienced Financial Assistance Specialist II (FAS II)

Location: West St. Paul

Department: Employment & Economic Assistance

Posting Type: Open Competitive

Hours: Full-Time (40 hours per week)

Preferred Hiring Range: $58,606 - $73,257 annually (2026 Rates)

Full Salary Range: $58,606 - $91,571 annually (Grade 106, 2026 Rates)

Union: AFSCME 306

Close Date: 4:30 p.m. on 1/5/2026

We are seeking an experienced Financial Assistance Specialist II to evaluate Dakota County residents’ basic needs, determine eligibility for public assistance benefits, and provide comprehensive case management. The role requires strong analytical skills, customer service, and the ability to navigate multiple state and county programs.

• Conduct interviews and review/verify information from internal, external, and data sources to determine eligibility for public assistance programs such as Child Care Assistance Program, General Assistance, Medicaid, MFIP, MNsure, and SNAP.
• Communicate program rules, benefits, expectations, and timelines to customers.
• Calculate benefit amounts per county, state, and federal guidelines.
• Enter data into multiple state and county computer systems.
• Provide case management on an individual or team caseload.
• Review household information periodically to ensure ongoing eligibility.
• Coordinate services by collaborating with staff and external service providers.
• Reassess clients’ needs and eligibility criteria to ensure continued program eligibility.
• Represent the agency in administrative settings related to program eligibility, appeals, internal and external work groups, and advisory committees.
• Prepare presentations, document, and provide presentations as required.
• Provide training on programs, work methods, and procedures to other agency staff.

• Understanding and respect for diversity of customers and colleagues.
• Ability to assess a person's social, economic, emotional, and health needs.
• Ability to assess complex life situations and make decisions and recommendations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems.
• Knowledge of investigative interviewing techniques and community resources.
• Knowledge of income and asset types and their relationship to public assistance eligibility.
• High level analytical skills and strong customer service skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including concise case notes.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work under stress, prioritize work, and use discretion in decisions.
• Keyboard and electronic document management proficiency.

Hybrid work model: primarily remote with monthly in‑office presence for team meetings, required trainings, or paperwork. Lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally. Equipment used includes laptop, printer, calculator, and telephone.

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and other benefits; excellent work‑life balance; generous paid time off (minimum four weeks per year); eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday; pension with generous employer contribution; ability to work from home some of the time.

Submit an online application with supplemental questions. Candidates receive a scoring based on qualifications. Top scoring candidates are referred for interview. Interviews, reference checks, and background checks precede offer.

Dakota County, Minnesota’s third largest county, serves over 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we focus on Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. We aim to create an inclusive workforce reflecting our diverse communities, promoting equity, and providing meaningful public service.