What are the responsibilities and job description for the Eligibility Worker position at Mille Lacs County?
Description
The Eligibility Worker reviews and determines the initial and ongoing eligibility of clients for a wide variety of income maintenance programs. This position assesses client needs, obtains and evaluates client information, communicates program requirements, provides resources, and advises clients to help them achieve the highest degree of self-sufficiency.
This position operates under the AFSCME-CVS bargaining unit. Complete 2026 pay scale is $26.41/hour - $34.55/hour. The hiring range for this posting is $26.41/hour. For a complete position description, click here.
Essential Functions
This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.
Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Top candidates will be selected to participate in oral interviews.
The Eligibility Worker reviews and determines the initial and ongoing eligibility of clients for a wide variety of income maintenance programs. This position assesses client needs, obtains and evaluates client information, communicates program requirements, provides resources, and advises clients to help them achieve the highest degree of self-sufficiency.
This position operates under the AFSCME-CVS bargaining unit. Complete 2026 pay scale is $26.41/hour - $34.55/hour. The hiring range for this posting is $26.41/hour. For a complete position description, click here.
Essential Functions
This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.
- Assists clients in obtaining assistance through income maintenance programs and various other county or community services. Screens requests for financial assistance services, interviews clients, and assists clients in completing applications for various programs. Informs clients of services available, as well as eligibility factors, their rights and responsibilities, and other pertinent information; answers questions. Assesses applicant’s need for emergency and expedited services, and issues appropriate assistance. Determines budget needs and eligibility for various programs, including managed health care. Processes applications for benefits as appropriate and provides ongoing services to clients to determine continued eligibility.
- Maintains current knowledge of income maintenance programs and serves as a department resource. Attends regular DHS meetings to receive updates on program policies. Presents program policy updates and requirements to other agency staff and program participants. Maintains current knowledge of other community resources, functions of social services programs, and related services. Assists in training staff on assigned program(s).
- Enters and updates client information according to program policies in computer and electronic case management systems, maintaining complete and accurate records.
- Provides ongoing services to clients to determine continued eligibility. Serves as point of contact with clients to communicate program time limits, expectations and requirements, and case status; follows-up with clients to obtain missing information. Encourages clients to make good financial decisions and promotes self-sufficiency. Completes client status updates for any relevant changes and makes redeterminations of eligibility and benefit amounts as required. Determines eligibility for hardship extensions. Processes the transfer of cases entering and exiting the county.
- Tracks and/or verifies a wide variety of information including, but not limited to: status update forms for other units; verifications from other agencies; Income Eligibility Verification System matches; Medical Assistance; unemployment insurance, etc.
- Tracks clients who are also drug felons for random testing according to program policies. Administers and reads drug test screens.
- Makes referrals to other services such as Social Services, Child Support, Social Security, Veterans Administration, Employment and Training, etc., and multiple community resources as appropriate. Act as an advocate for clients by mediating positive resolutions of conflict between clients and third parties including but not limited to: Legal Aid, appeal referee’s, SSA, medical providers, health care plans, utility companies, state and tribal agencies, etc.
- Contributes to the development and implementation of new policies and procedures.
- Responds to inquiries from other agencies, vendors, and/or clients requesting information regarding cases. Contacts other county and state agencies, Department of Human Services, and tribal communities to verify or determine assistance program participation.
- Assists in preparation of various court actions. Prepares county’s case for appeal hearings, documenting actions taken by the county; provides testimony at phone hearings; assists law enforcement and County Attorney’s Office in preparing cases; testifies in court. Monitors cases for inconsistent information. Coordinates with Fraud Protection Investigator on suspected fraud cases, including taking action with disqualification, appeals, and court hearings. Determines overpayments according to individual program policy. Calculates overpayments and establishes claims in multiple systems. Processes sanctions as applicable and disqualifications per policy.
- Responds to client complaints and effectively works toward a positive resolution.
- Conducts exit interviews for clients reaching lifetime limit for certain services. Re-determines eligibility for other programs, extension categories, and determines appropriate referrals to other services or programs to ensure continuous coverage.
- Acts as liaison for software programs, including troubleshooting issues and contacting providers for system support.
- Two years of post-secondary education and two years of related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.
- Class D Driver’s License.
Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Top candidates will be selected to participate in oral interviews.
Salary : $26 - $35