About the Department

Under the supervision of the Financial Assistance Supervisor, this position supports the Nicollet County Health and Human Services department by effectively and efficiently delivering essential services to families and individuals. The Eligibility Worker administers financial and medical assistance programs to support the basic needs of the elderly, disabled, and low-income families and individuals. This position determines eligibility for public assistance programs through interviewing and evaluating clients’ needs for internal and external services. This position monitors cases for fraudulent activities and addresses as needed. This position prepares for and participates in administrative appeals of agency actions.

Position Duties

Addresses and analyzes allegations of fraud. Identifies and investigates discrepancies related to eligibility by referring to current case documentation, establishes overpayments, closes case, or refers for further investigation. Determines and establishes overpayments and imposes disqualifications based on outcome of investigation
Assists clients through a public assistance system by explaining program provisions and compliance requirements. Enters concise and factual case notes in accordance with state mandates
Assists clients to resolve crisis situations with eligibility determinations for emergency funding programs
Authorizes services and connects individuals to additional community resources as needed. Evaluates client needs for additional services and makes appropriate referrals to both internal program areas and external agencies
Coordinates administrative appeals of agency actions. Responds to complaints of clients and informs them of their legal rights and process of appeal. Prepares program and policy documentation for client and judge to support action taken by worker. Collaborates with the County Attorney. Represents the County and provides expert testimony of case facts before administrative law judge. Implements and complies with judge's decision by establishing overpayments or issuing supplements timely
Determines eligibility for assistance programs. Evaluates individuals' needs to determine eligibility for various programs and services in accordance with applicable guidelines and timelines. Conducts interviews using effective communication, attentive listening skills, and investigative questioning. Reviews complicated financial, tax, and asset information and determines eligibility based on complex and varied program rules. Applies established policies to assess qualifications and determine benefit levels
Monitors and updates program eligibility and benefit levels based on reported changes in client circumstances and evolving state and federal policies. Reviews and verifies information to ensure policy compliance and accurate service delivery. Maintains complete and up-to-date case records in accordance with established guidelines

Minimum Qualifications

Valid MN driver’s license, and
High School Diploma or G.E.D, and
Three (3) years of experience, or
Postsecondary education

Benefits

Nicollet County offers a competitive benefits package, including:

Medical, dental, vision
Pension plan for retirement
Employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance
11.5 paid holidays
Generous leave plans
Public Sector Loan Forgiveness
Free employee assistance plan service

Click here for more information

Supplemental Questions

Do you wish to claim veterans preference if you achieve a passing score? NOTE: If you elect to use veterans preference, you must provide documentation (DD214 and/or VA documents) establishing your right to claim the preference.

Veteran: Defined as a person separated under honorable conditions that has served on active duty for a least 181 consecutive days or has completed the full period for which federally called to active duty; OR honorably discharged by reason of disability incurred while on active duty. (not active duty for training)
Disabled Veteran: A veteran having a compensable service connected disability rating. (not active duty for training)
Spouse of a disabled veteran with a service connected disability rating of 10% or greater, who is unable to work in the specific position being applied for.
Spouse of a deceased veteran who died on, or as a result of, an active duty injury. (Spouse cannot have remarried.)
Spouse of a deceased veteran who was disabled at time of death and died on, or as a result of, an active duty injury. (Spouse cannot have remarried.)
Not a veteran or do not wish to claim a veterans preference.

Do you have a valid MN driver’s license?

Do you have at least a High School Diploma or G.E.D, and three (3) years of experience;
OR, postsecondary education?

How much experience do you have doing clerical work?

Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3+ years

How much experience do you have providing customer service to the public?

Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3+ years

How much experience do you have working in a social services/human services agency?

Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3+ years

How much experience do you have with interpreting legal documents and statutes?

Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3+ years

How much experience do you have in a job that required you to use investigative interviewing to gather information?

Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3+ years

How much experience do you have in a job that required you to have knowledge of, and make referals to, public assistance programs?

Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3+ years

How much experience do you have in a job that required you to use multiple software systems to enter detailed data--both numbers and text?

Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3+ years

How much experience do you have in a job that required you to process a large amount of work quickly and accurately to comply with audits and deadlines?

Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3+ years

How much experience do you have in a job that required you to explain complicated information in a way that would make sense to the general public both verbally and in writing?

Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3+ years

How much experience do you have calculating overpayments or testifying at hearings, appeals or in a court room?

Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3+ years

How much experience do you have using at least 1 of the following programs: Maxis, METS, MMIS?

No experience
Less than 6 months
6 months - 1 year
1+ years

How much experience do you have working with income maintenance programs for a county or tribe?

Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3+ years

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Nicollet County
Address: 501 S. Minnesota Ave.

St. Peter, Minnesota, 56082
Phone: 507-934-6800
Website: https://www.co.nicollet.mn.us/