Are you looking for meaningful work?
Interested in making a difference in your community?
Join our Sherburne County Health & Human Services team!

Our Eligibility workers determine eligibility of State and Federal public assistance programs in Sherburne County and provide case management by assisting individuals and families in re-establishing and maintaining stability, self-sufficiency, and independence; by providing services and information on programs available, community resources to enhance people's economic, physical and emotional health; and to meet basic needs for individuals, families, children, elderly and disabled clients.

Our Mission: The mission of Sherburne County Health and Human Services (SCHHS) is to promote and protect the health, safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Sherburne County residents.

Our Vision: It is the intent of the organization to provide human service programs to the residents of Sherburne County, designed to protect and enhance the lives of vulnerable populations (such as the developmentally disabled, children in need of protective services, vulnerable adults, mentally ill, and others).

This position is located at the Government Center in Elk River, MN. Our regular business hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, though the department provides staff with flexibility in effort to strive for a desired work/life balance. Sherburne County is one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota, where you can find a nice blend of suburban and rural life. If you are interested in bringing your skill and talent to a dynamic department in a growing community, we encourage you to apply for this great opportunity.

Learn more about our workplace culture and a brief overview of our employee benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These examples of typical duties do not include all possible tasks for this classification and do not limit the assignment of related tasks. Regular attendance according to the department's approved work schedule is required for all Sherburne County positions.

Intake and Eligibility Determinations:
Determine initial eligibility and continuing eligibility for public assistance programs by conducting in-person interviews; collecting and analyzing factual and sensitive data; verifying income, assets, household composition and other eligibility criteria as mandated by the Federal, State and County rules and regulations.

Ongoing Case Management:
Act on client information received via phone calls, correspondence, and computer interfaces regarding ongoing eligibility. All work must be prioritized by daily, weekly, and monthly duties to coincide with deadlines established by state programs while remaining flexible for client appointments and emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience**:High School Diploma/GED and successful completion of the MN State College Public Welfare Financial Worker program plus 1 year of clerical experience or experience working directly with the public.

OR

High School Diploma/GED and 3 – 5 years of experience working with the public in a customer service-related field or equivalent education plus work experience.

**Long Term Care Eligibility Specialist requires other state certifications, as well.

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with and/or approving public assistance programs within a city, county, state, or federal human services department .
• Direct customer service with the public.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication skills over the phone and in person.
• Bilingual.
• Ability to understand continuously evolving procedures and policies.

Other training which is desirable for the position:
Ability to use the following computer information systems:

• Zingtree (interactive decision tree software)
• Finesse
• Compass
• MEC2 (Minnesota Electronic Child Care System)
• METS (Minnesota Eligibility Technology System)
• SSIS (Social Services Information System)
• MMIS (Medicaid Management Information System)
• MAXIS (MAXIS is the name of the computer system used by state and county workers to determine eligibility for public assistance and health care)
• On-base (information platform for managing content, processes, and cases)
• AdobeSign (e-signature application)
• Microsoft Office, particularly:
  • SharePoint
  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint

Supplemental Information

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal and State structure, rules and policies governing Income Maintenance Programs.
• Ability to analyze problems and assist in establishing procedures for their resolution.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in a timely manner.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to make objective decisions.
• Ability to interpret complex rules and policies as they apply to programs.

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees

• Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's vision, mission, and values.
• Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and county-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
• Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Informs immediate supervisor of all-important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
• Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
• Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
• Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.

Hiring Salary Range: $24.42 - $29.31 DOQ

Union: Teamsters

Hours of Work: This position has a usual work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include occasional evening and weekend hours. There is opportunity for a flexible schedule and hybrid work environment (in office/work from home) after successful completion of training period.

Interviews: Selected candidates will be notified via email the week of March 18th to self-schedule 10-minute phone interviews.

Typical Working Environment:

• The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 100% of the time indoors.
• Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury in the office. Office visits may expose employee to unsanitary conditions, communicable illnesses, infrequent exposure to health hazards, unpredictable and/or unsafe environments.
• Potential exposure to verbal abuse and threats from hostile, frustrated clients and may include unpredictable situations.
• May include some offsite work for community outreach.

Typical Physical Requirements for this Position:

• Extensive Computer Usage
• Must be able to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (15-25 pounds).
• Extensive computer and telephone use, repetitive and full range of motion.

As a thriving organization fueled by people passionate about serving our community, Sherburne County strives to support and engage employees through investments in competitive compensation and equitable benefits; a culture that promotes physical and emotional wellbeing; opportunities for professional growth and a sense of honor and purpose.

Sherburne County offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical (employee, employee spouse, employee child(ren), or family coverage). Monthly premiums for Employee only coverage are covered 100% by the county.
  • County Contributions to VEBA and HSA plans
• Employer paid $25,000 Term Life Policy
• Optional Benefits:
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Additional Supplemental Life Insurance for self, spouse and child(ren)
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care Reimbursement and/or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account)
  • Accident Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Hospital Care Insurance
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
• Annual Paid Time Off accrual of 21 days to start, increasing up to a maximum of 33 days per year.
• 12 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• On-Site Well@Work Clinic available to Sherburne County Employees and Dependents covered under our plan.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Public Employees Retirement (PERA):

Part-Time employees working less than 30 hours per week, Seasonal, Temporary and Interns are not eligible for benefits.