Eligibility Worker

Priority Position Deadline: Noon on Monday, May 25th, 2026.

Full Wage Scale: $27.66 - $37.34

Benefits: 

Department: Health & Human Services                                 Rating: B23

Supervisor Title: Financial Assistance Supervisor       FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for supporting clients by identifying community services and resources and providing specialized information regarding clients' needs. Responsibilities may include providing information to participants; reviewing information and determining eligibility for public assistance programs; maintaining and coordinating the collection and maintenance of related files; identifying problems and providing solutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Performs complex case support activities for assigned case load, from inception to closeout, which includes independently determining program eligibility; commencing court actions; reviewing case file information in compliance with program requirements and mandates associated with individual cases; providing referrals to applicable agencies and community resources; and/or, performing other related activities.
2. Completes funding for all foster care children.
3. Determining client eligibility for income maintenance programs, including all medical, cash, food, emergency programs based on standard program requirements & guidelines; conducting initial interview and gathering relevant information to assess client needs, status and financial situation.
4. Prioritizes and responds to a large volume of client inquiries through various formats and in person.
5. Monitors, maintains and updates case files to reflect changes to case status.
6. Calculates over/under payments, establishing claims and imposes sanctions when required. Identifying and initiating fraud referrals and investigations.
7. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the formal education, experience and training required.

Education

• High school diploma or G.E.D. and 2 years human services administrative experience

OR

• related Associates Degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Trainings, Certificates, and Licenses

• Valid driver’s license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

To perform this position successfully.

• Knowledge of general fundamentals of human/social services and human behavior.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Intermediate language, literacy and writing skills.
• Applicable appraisal methods, principles and practices in assigned area of responsibility;
• Interviewing techniques.
• Customer service principles.
• Ability to remain calm and diffuse highly emotional or stressful situations.
• Recordkeeping principles and practices.
• Computers and related software applications.
• Applying applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Providing customer service.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.

 RESPONSIBILITY

Supervision - Needed

This position either (a) carries out work with minimal supervision (i.e., the supervisor sets only goals, priorities, and deadlines; and the employee uses guidelines that cover most situations), or (b) follows the supervisor’s directions on methods and desired results but modifies methods to resolve unforeseen situations and problems.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORK CONDITIONS

The physical demands and work conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Additional physical/mental requirements may not be listed above but are inherent in performing the positions essential functions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Hazards

Nonstrenuous- Occasionally Climbs a few steps, Balance, Bend/Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, Squat, Crawl, Reach above shoulder level, Sit, Stand, Walk, Finger/Enter data/keystroke, Feel, Talk, or Hear, and/or Exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 30 pounds.

Surroundings

Low Risk- Exposure to inside environmental conditions where it is adequately lighted, ventilated and heated, and normal precautions must be observed.

 ACCESS TO PUBLIC DATA:

This position may encounter non-public data in the course of these duties.  Any access to non-public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to perform the duties.  While data are being accessed, this position should take reasonable measures to ensure the non-public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason.  Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished, this position must properly store the non-public data according to the applicable provisions of Mower County employee policies and Minnesota or federal law..

All employees are expected to become familiar with and comply with the requirements of the county’s Data Practices and Data Security Policies and a breach of these policies may lead to disciplinary action against the employee.

 CORE COMPETENCIES

Job Knowledge

• The depth and degree of understanding, skills, and expertise that an individual possesses related to their specific job, role, tasks, and functions while factoring in time employee has been in the position.

Service Focus

• Fostering a culture dedicated to enhancing satisfaction and building strong relationships through commitment to the needs and preferences of those we serve.

Policy and Procedure

• Demonstrating a thorough understanding of state, county, and agency operating procedures, objectives, goals, and philosophies.

Communication Skills

• Conveying information effectively, timely, and respectfully across multiple platforms with internal and external parties.

Reliability

• Dependable in performing job duties and a willingness to take responsibility for actions and outcomes.

Contributing to Team Success

• Aligning individual efforts and working with the team to achieve department goals and outcomes.