Eligibility Worker

Eligibility Worker

Full-time position - 40 hours per week. 2026 wage range is $27.09 - $35.65 per hour, plus benefits (Hiring range: $27.09 - $30.02 per hour). Interested candidates must also apply to the Minnesota Merit System. Please see the application instructions at the bottom of this announcement. Final date to receive applications: 4:30 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2026. Position Purpose Reporting to and under the general supervision of the Financial Assistance Director, an Eligibility Worker determines the eligibility of applicants and on-going recipients of public assistance programs;

communicates program requirements; supports program participants in achieving the highest degree of independence and addressing barriers to self-sufficiency; identifies needs and makes referrals to health, social services, and employment agencies and to other community resources.

Distinguishing Characteristics An Eligibility Worker performs a majority of the work independently and exercises individual judgment in accordance with established standard procedures. The Eligibility Worker is part of a team and works closely with the Child Support division, and other Social Services staff.

Client Eligibility/Communications Interview applicants for initial and on-going eligibility for county, state, and federal funded programs, (SNAP, health care, childcare, cash, and burials) and gather relevant documentation. Determine eligibility based on state and federal guidelines. Calculate benefit amounts. Prepare client budgets. Determine eligibility for health care via MAXIS, METS and MMIS. Assist clients with health care applications. Respond to enrollment questions.

Calculate medical mileage, meals, and lodging reimbursements. Communicate with applicants and clients. Inform clients of their duties based on program regulations. Advise clients as to case status. Respond to client complaints; inform applicants and client of their rights and appeal options.

Record System Management Maintain contemporary knowledge of policies and procedures of state and federal assistance programs. Work closely within the Income Maintenance unit to ensure accurate execution of state and federal rules and regulations. Enter collected client information into county and state electronic systems, review/analyze for accuracy. Assist in the development and implementation of Income Maintenance unit policies/procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal amended legislation.

Compose forms as tools for communicating and verifying client information. Create reports as needed for composite caseload statistics.

Other Case Management/Communications Collaborate with external agencies to ensure clients have access to community resources. Refer clients to employment and training providers and other community resources. Collaborate other Public Health and Human Services units (Social Services, Child Support, Public Health and Accounting) to provide client support. Identify potential fraud cases and refer to the regional fraud investigator. Prepare and present documentation for administrative hearings.

Calculate and set-up claims and collection of over payments. Repayment Monitoring Compile and maintain current database using Quick Books of addresses of persons owing money to the county for services provided and assessing fees. Determine County of financial responsibility for clients who are receiving services in Houston County. Contact individuals and enter State Revenue Recapture claims after 90 days if payment on account has not been received.

Complete receipt of payments received from MA program claims to the fiscal unit to enter into the MAXIS System to track and send to the State of Minnesota. Work with Agency team and recommend direction to take to maximize collections on each case and when to proceed with court action.

Education and Experience Successful completion of the technical college Public Welfare Eligibility Worker certificate program will substitute for one year of the required clerical experience or experience working with the public.

-OR
- Two years of study at an accredited two or four year college or university or similar institution, with emphasis in the behavioral sciences, business, or closely related subjects (at least 23 quarter credits or 16 semester credits)
-OR
- Two years of clerical experience in a social services/human services agency
-OR
- Two years of study at an accredited two or four year college or university or similar institution, with emphasis in the behavioral sciences, business, or closely related subjects (at least 23 quarter credits or 16 semester credits)
-OR
- Three years of clerical experience or experience working with the public, or some combination of the two, totaling three years
-AND
- Minnesota DHS Eligibility Worker Merit qualified. Other Pre-Employment Standards/Requirements Pass a criminal history/background check. Preferred Criteria/Experience N/A Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities…