POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Employment & Economic Assistance
HOURS: Full-time (40 hours per week).
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $53,925 - $67,406 annually
FULL SALARY RANGE: $53,925 - $84,258 annually (Grade 106)
LOCATION: West St. Paul/Hybrid with Telework
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 11/5/2024

Come join us at Dakota County and "Be more". Dakota County employs nearly 2000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions make Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique.

Dakota County offers important careers – like the Program Eligibility Specialist (FAS II) - that make a difference in people's lives. You will not be just another employee; you'll be a valued employee making a difference in the lives of Dakota County residents every single day. If you have experience as a Financial Worker and want to start a career with Dakota County, you are encouraged to apply. Will you be the next person to join us at Dakota County?

In this position, you will evaluate Dakota County residents' basic needs, health, and well-being by assessing clients' economic, social, and health-related issues 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. Public Assistance Eligibility 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

Determine eligibility for multiple public assistance programs, complete interviews, and review and verify information received from multiple sources.
Review household information periodically to ensure accurate ongoing eligibility.
Communicate program rules and requirements, benefit levels, expectations, and timelines to customers.
Calculate benefit amounts per county, state, and federal program guidelines.
Data entry into multiple state and county computer systems.
Provide case management on individual or team caseload.

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.

AND
Candidate 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.These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

Demonstrates a commitment to support cultural diversity County wide and actively supports the County's diversity initiatives and works to address the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
Interview Dakota County residents to assess their needs, gather information, and determine what governmental or community resources can meet those needs.
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 administrative-type settings related to program eligibility, including appeals.
Represent the agency in internal and external work groups and advisory committees, document and prepare presentations.
Provide training on programs, work methods, and procedures to other agency staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

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 person's 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 ENVIRONMENT: 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.

Benefits:

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

Selection Process:

You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
We assign you a score based on your qualifications
Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
We extend an offer and conduct background check(s)

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware working environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

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Dakota County

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Financial Assistance Specialist II (FAS II)