Salary
$24.31 - $34.26 Hourly
Location
New Ulm, MN
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
00220
Department
Human Services - Income Maintenance
Opening Date
05/29/2024
Closing Date
6/12/2024 at 4:30 PM Central Time (US & Canada)
Position Summary The Eligibility Worker is responsible to perform a variety of tasks related to the determination of eligibility for income maintenance programs. This position must determine eligibility of clients for federal and state public assistance, while providing high-quality customer service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Provides information regarding programs and community resources. Determines and explains eligibility for all income maintenance programs.
• Interviews applicants to determine eligibility for food support, cash, health care, and emergency programs.
• Remains objective, protects client confidentiality, and complies with data privacy rules.
• Diffuses consumers who may be angry, hostile, verbally or physically aggressive.
• Educates consumers regarding program requirements, expectations, and benefits.
• Explains rights and responsibilities and serves as central point of communication.
• Refers individuals to available resources within and outside the county agency as appropriate.
• Approves ongoing eligibility through monthly household report forms, six-month and annual reviews, recipient reports, and collateral contact to ensure continuation of accurate benefits. Multiple county and state computer systems are used for this process.
• Calculates asset evaluations for couples when one spouse enters a Long-Term Care Facility or requests Elderly Waiver Services.
• Calculates reimbursement amounts for cost effective reimbursements and Medicare premiums. Travels to Sleepy Eye and Springfield satellite outreach offices monthly on a rotating worker basis.
• Participates in continuing education and training offered by the Department of Human Services and collaborative agencies or groups. Stays up-to-date and adheres to procedural changes regarding program determination.
• Exhibits strong communication and analytical skills to understand and explain complex program rules.
• Successful cooperation with multiple internal and external providers to assist consumers with initial and ongoing program eligibility.
• Responds to consumer complaints and informs consumers of their appeal and other legal rights.
• Attends and testifies at appeal hearings.
• Other duties as assigned or apparent.
Qualifications Two years college or vocational coursework
OR
One year post-secondary education plus two years’ related experience
OR
High School graduate or equivalent and five years related experience.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota.
Must successfully complete a background check.
Must complete and pass pre-employment testing.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Knowledge and skill in Microsoft Office Suite, and computer database operations.
• Ability to provide optimal customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and have strong positive public relations skills.
• Effective communication with department and clients on complex information and facts.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and policies governing income maintenance programs.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques and skill in conducting interviews.
• Knowledge of other sources of financial support, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, veterans’ benefits, worker’s compensation, and disability insurance/pension programs.
• Basic computation and mathematical skills.
• Ability to explain and interpret complex laws, rules, policies, and regulations in written or oral form.
• Ability to maintain professionalism with the public, including hostile or uncooperative individuals.
• Protects client confidentiality and complies with data privacy laws and rules.
• Ability to work under limited supervision with general autonomy in determining how objectives are achieved.
Grade 5.  Entry hourly wage range is: $24.31 to $27.25, DOQ.  Position has a full earning potential of up to $34.26, DOQ.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER