Eligibility Worker

Job Overview

The Eligibility Worker is responsible for determining initial eligibility and maintaining ongoing eligibility for public assistance programs. Duties include identifying community services, providing specialized information, and assisting clients with program eligibility for cash assistance, health care, SNAP, LTC, GRH, EW, IMD, and NFI for adults.

Salary range: $60,090 - $67,204 (hiring range) up to a full range of $60,090 - $84,059.

• Reviews financial, referral, and other information to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for public assistance programs, including research, inspections, and file reviews.
• Determines and recertifies initial eligibility for cash assistance, health care, SNAP, and related programs.
• Supports clients by identifying community services and resources, conducting interviews, answering questions via person, phone, email, or fax, making referrals, scheduling transportation, setting up assessment meetings, issuing vouchers, processing transportation requests, and performing other financial case processing activities.
• Prepares, maintains, verifies, updates, and sends out records, reports, files, forms, assessment packets, and applications; enters and monitors information in databases, online systems, and software.
• Resolves information discrepancies in compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinates with internal and external agencies (e.g., long‑term care facilities, schools, vendors, attorneys, court administration, private sector organizations, health care providers, enrollees, social services, child support, and accounting departments) to communicate and receive information, including transferring cases.
• May be assigned specialized functions to serve the unit’s needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Four (4) years of administrative, financial support, or related experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques related to the assigned program or functional area.
• Conflict resolution techniques and customer service principles.
• Familiarity with legal documents, including referrals and evaluations.
• Basic accounting and budget principles.
• Interviewing techniques and program management principles.
• Recordkeeping principles and training principles.
• Proficiency with computers and related software applications.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for effective client interaction.
• Providing effective customer service and conducting interviews and assessments.
• Conducting research to support client services.
• Managing databases documenting client progress and status, maintaining accurate records and files.
• Conducting training and managing programs and administrative functions.
• Maintaining accurate records and using computers and related software applications.
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with coworkers, supervisors, the public, and others to exchange or convey information.

• Work is primarily conducted in an office environment with occasional visits to community locations.
• Ability to sit at a desk and perform data entry and administrative tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry files or office supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform occasional tasks requiring mobility.
• Ability to travel occasionally to meet with clients or external partners.
• Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with flexibility required based on program needs or client demands.

Kandiyohi County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, PERA retirement, 457(b) deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long‑term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick/ESST leave. Part‑time employees (average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year) receive benefits on a pro‑rated basis.