SALARY:
Hiring Rate: $24.8346/hour
Grade 15, Non-Exempt Position, AFSCME-Human Services Unit and MNA
Our Mission: "Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All"
Our Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable
Do you have a passion for helping people? Are you a motivated, detail-oriented person who enjoys working with the public? In this position, you will frequently interact with a diverse range of clients to provide quality customer service. We will train the right candidate for this position….if you have experience providing service delivery to community members, apply today! Stearns County derives strength from the diversity of its workforce and provides a welcoming environment where all are respected, honored and valued.Bilingual candidates, particularly those fluent in Somali or Spanish are encouraged to apply. An additional $1.00/hour will be paid when using Somali or Spanish bilingual fluency.
County employees are provided a comprehensive benefit package, contributions to a pension plan, and generous time off. Refer to our Benefits Overview.
Position ObjectiveTo provide the initial and on-going determination of clients’ eligibility for federal and state public assistance programs while interacting with a diverse range of clients to provide quality customer service. This position is responsible for reviewing financial documents, interpreting program rules and requirements, and verifying client information to determine eligibility.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThese examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.
1. Determines timely and accurate eligibility for federal and state public assistance programs.
2. Evaluates information submitted from various sources including but not limited to client applications, financial institutions, vendors, and government institutions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
3. Conducts case analysis to ensure program integrity and compliance.
4. Collects, informs, and reviews various verification and documentation to ensure accurate eligibility determinations.
5. Conducts client interviews to receive all necessary information from clients and to provide applicants with information on processes and programs.
6. Establishes and maintains complete case records to ensure accuracy in the systems of record enabling appropriate decision making and correct benefit determinations.
7. Identifies and assesses potential fraud, waste, and abuse; makes referrals for overpayments and fraud investigations; performs related follow-up functions.
8. Participates in and presents pertinent information at appeal hearings and administrative hearings.
9. Interprets, explains, and implements complex rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to clients, community groups, and colleagues.
10. Maintains a working knowledge of community resources and makes referrals to inform clients of all potential available resources.
11. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
12. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.
Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:
- High School graduate or equivalent
- Two years of post-secondary formal education in administrative support, business, finance, public assistance/eligibility worker program, or similar field and a minimum of seven months of experience in administrative/office support, financial services, or working with benefit eligibility/service delivery programs OR four years and seven months of related experience in administrative/office support, financial services, or working with benefit eligibility/service delivery programs.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities1. Knowledge of department programs and operations.
2. Knowledge of community resources.
3. Ability to handle confidential/sensitive client information.
4. Ability to utilize complex computer applications.
5. Ability to recognize and respect cultural differences.
6. Ability to interpret complex rules and policies as they apply to programs.
7. Ability to utilize effective interviewing techniques.
8. Ability to accurately process detailed information according to established timelines.
9. Ability to establish and maintain accurate records.
10. Ability to comprehend and follow complex written and verbal instructions.
11. Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment while meeting multiple deadlines.
12. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.