Eligibility Specialist

Job Overview

Washington County Community Services is seeking an Eligibility Specialist to determine client eligibility, provide case management, and help clients achieve service goals for health care, employment, veterans, and other public assistance programs. The position involves advanced technical knowledge of multiple programs, departmental processes, and automated caseload administration.

• Provide eligibility determination and case management for clients in need of public assistance.
• Review applications, interview applicants, and collect required documentation.
• Explain rules and regulations of the programs, verify documentation, and apply complex policy and law to determine eligibility.
• Approve, modify, and terminate eligibility; impose sanctions and other penalties for non‑compliance.
• Assess emergency situations, determine immediacy of needs, and coordinate rapid intervention.
• Maintain concise and accurate records to ensure program integrity.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policy and administrative procedures in determining eligibility.
• Mentor, train, and provide technical assistance to other staff.
• Collaborate with employment counselors, social workers, nurses, and other internal and external partners to assess client needs and coordinate service plans.
• Collaborate with the investigative agency to identify and refer potential welfare fraud situations and over payments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Current or recent Maxis Eligibility Specialist experience.
• Experience determining Medical Assistance.
• Experience determining eligibility for SNAP.
• Experience determining cash assistance programs.

• High school diploma or equivalency and two years of paid work experience in a Social Services or Human Services agency, or
  • Completion of at least two years of post‑secondary education and one year of paid work experience in a Social Services or Human Services agency, or
  • Completion of the Minnesota State College Public Welfare Financial Worker or Human Services program.
• For Veterans Services positions:
  High school diploma or equivalency and two years of paid work experience in a Veterans Services or Human Services agency, or the same educational/completion options as above. Additional qualifications include Minnesota residency, U.S. citizenship, and being a veteran. The appointee must achieve certification by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs within one year of hire.

• Support and prioritize a welcoming and respectful workplace that fosters diversity and encourages contributions from all individuals.
• Provide inclusive and equitable service to all members of the community with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate support for the County’s diversity, equity and inclusion program.
• Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement in the workplace.
• Apply principles and practices of public human services programs and continuous improvement.
• Conduct interviews and explain complex rules to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Read, understand, apply, and explain detailed correspondence, reports, regulations, and policy directives.
• Analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Enter data accurately into applications such as Excel and Word; perform mathematical computations accurately and quickly.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports.

Work is sedentary and performed within the Government Center or satellite offices. The job involves continuous contact with the public, other staff, and external agencies. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds and manipulation of files, calculations, or computer work are required. Exposure to disagreeable odors, communicable diseases, bodily fluids, and difficult behaviors may occur.

Washington County offers a comprehensive benefit package, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance.

Washington County participates in the federal E‑Verify program. This means that Washington County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the…