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

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

• Interview Dakota County residents to assess their needs, gather information, and determine what governmental or community resources can meet those needs.
• 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.
• Determine clients' economic, social, and health-related issues. Provide services by assessing and determining financial assistance program eligibility.
• Coordinate services by collaborating with staff and external service providers.
• Reassess clients' needs and eligibility criteria to determine continued program eligibility and ensure their well-being as required or needed.
• Represent the agency in legal settings and interview clients…