Experienced Financial Assistance Specialist II; 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 (2026 Rates)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $58,606 - $91,571 annually (Grade 106, 2026 Rates)

LOCATION:

West St. Paul
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 1/5/2026

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. Some examples of programs are Child Care Assistance Program, General Assistance, Medicaid, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), MNsure, and Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

This position is for someone who enjoys working with people and 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.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution.
• OR Associate's Degree AND TWO or more years' experience working with the public.
• OR Technical Certificate/Diploma AND THREE or more years' experience working with the public.
• OR Completion of at least 90 quarter credits (Incomplete degree) AND TWO or more 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. One year of experience must have occurred in Minnesota within the past five years.
• Candidate must be proficient at keyboard skills including typing at least 35 WPM.

• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, staff, and co-workers.
• Creates a respectful workplace that promotes equity and addresses the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
• Ability to assess a persons' social, economic, emotional, and health needs.
• Ability to assess complex life situations and make related decisions and recommendations to resolve problems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems.
• Knowledge of investigative interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Some knowledge of income and asset types and their relationship to public assistance program eligibility.
• Must possess a high level of analytical skills.
• Possess strong customer service skills to effectively communicate with both our internal and external customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including composing comprehensive and concise case notes.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work under stress and use discretion in making decisions.
• Ability to prioritize work according to client and agency needs.
• Ability to effectively keyboard and manage electronic documents.

Work is hybrid performed in mostly a remote environment after initial training. There will be times that require work within a County office building or designated off-site location such as but not limited to: minimum monthly in-office presence, team meetings, gathering necessary work equipment, completing required trainings or forms for employment. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis.

Equipment used may include, but is not limited to laptop, printer, calculator, and telephone.

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are…