About the Department

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Employment & Economic Assistance
HOURS: Full-Time (40 hours per week).
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $58,606 - $73,257 annually
FULL SALARY RANGE: $58,606 - $91,571 annually (Grade 106)
LOCATION: West St. Paul
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: Monday, July 6, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Note: Applicants with experience determining eligibility or ongoing case management for public assistance benefits in Minnesota (MA, SNAP, MFIP, CCAP, GA, HS, MSA, EA, or EGA) are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates with related human services experience and demonstrated ability to learn and apply complex policies may also be considered. This posting will be used to fill multiple positions.

What you will do
In this position, you will evaluate Dakota County residents' basic needs, health and well-being are met by assessing clients' economic, social, and health-related issues in order to accurately determine public assistance program eligibility. We have several new positions for this posting. The new positions are working with health care programs in METs or MAXIS. Knowledge of other public assistance programs in addition in Medicaid/MNsure is welcome. We also expect to have positions open for programs such as SNAP, MFIP, GA/MSA, Child Care, and Emergency Assistance. Please apply if you have experience in any program area.

This position is for someone who enjoys working with people and on computers, plus has an interest in helping individuals or families in times of financial crisis. Financial Assistance Specialists are often the first line of defense against poverty. We use in depth analysis of information received from internal and external customers, and multiple data sources. This career requires attention to detail, quality customer service and strong interpersonal communication skills.

Examples of Some Work Performed in this Position

Determine eligibility for multiple public assistance programs, complete interviews, and review and verify information received from multiple sources.
Review household information periodically to ensure accurate ongoing eligibility.
Communicate program rules and requirements, benefit levels, expectations, and timelines to customers.
Calculate benefit amounts per county, state, and federal program guidelines.
Data entry into multiple state and county computer systems.
Provide case management on individual or team caseload.

Click here for information from our staff.

Position Duties

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Associate's degree in Public Financial Worker Program AND two years of experience working with the public.

Associate's degree OR completion of at least 90 quarter credits AND two years of experience working with the public.

High School graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND four or more years of experience in a closely related position such as: Public Financial Worker, Child Support Specialist, or Program Associate/Case Aid.

To be considered for employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check and meet the criminal history requirements needed to access specific networks and systems essential to this role. Applicable laws and/or County policies may disqualify individuals with certain criminal history backgrounds from being employed in this position.

Minimum Qualifications

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

Interview Dakota County residents to assess their needs, gather information, and determine what governmental or community resources can meet those needs.
Counsel and advise residents on viable life options and promote self-sufficiency. Assess clients' ability to become self-sufficient by identifying client's strengths and weaknesses.
Determine clients' economic, social, and health-related issues. Provide services by assessing and determining financial assistance program eligibility.
Coordinate services by collaborating with staff and external service providers.
Reassess clients' needs and eligibility criteria to determine continued program eligibility and ensure their well-being as required or needed.
Represent the agency in legal settings and interview clients and their legal representatives.
Represent the agency in internal and external work groups and advisory committees, document and prepare presentations.
Provide training on programs, work methods, and procedures to other agency staff.

Other Qualifications

Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems.
Knowledge of investigative interviewing techniques including de-escalation approaches.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge of psychology, mental and physical illness, developmental disabilities, adult, and child protection criteria.
Knowledge of real and personal property, estate and ownership laws, and their relationship to public assistance program eligibility.
Must possess a high level of analytical skills.
Considerable ability to work effectively with the public, department, and County associates in a professional manner.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
Ability to work under stress and use discretion in making decisions.
Ability to prioritize work according to client and agency needs.
Ability to assess a persons' social, economic, emotional, and health needs.

Work Environment
Work is hybrid performed in mostly a remote environment after initial training. There will be times that require work within a County office building or designated off-site location such as but not limited to minimum weekly in-office presence, team meetings, gathering necessary work equipment, completing required trainings or forms for employment. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to laptop, printer, calculator, and telephone.

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily sedentary and involves working on a computer for most of the workday. Employees are expected to transport a county-issued laptop and related work materials between their remote and onsite work locations. Occasional lifting or carrying of up to 20 pounds may be required; however, this is typically limited to a laptop, bag, and other work-related materials and is not a primary function of the position. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, a laptop, printer, calculator, and telephone.

Benefits

Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
Excellent work-life balance
Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
Pension with a generous employer contribution
Ability to work from home some of the time

Selection Process

You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
We assign you a score based on your qualifications
Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
We extend an offer and conduct background check (s)

About Dakota County
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County employs nearly 2000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique; we offer important careers – like the Program Eligibility Specialist (FAS II)- that make a difference in people's lives. You will not be just another employee; you'll be a valued employee making a difference in the lives of Dakota County residents every single day.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Benefits

: Visit our Benefits site for more information.

Supplemental Questions

Applicants for this recruitment will be rated based on their answers to the supplemental questions listed below and application materials.

It is IMPERATIVE that information provided on the application and resume are detailed and clearly outline your work experience & skills. They must also support and/or match answers to the supplemental questions.

Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that the information provided is accurate and true to the best of your knowledge. Falsification may result in disqualification from consideration for this and subsequent recruitments with Dakota County for up to three years.

Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that you have reviewed, understand and possess the minimum qualifications for this position.

Select which best describes your education and related experience.

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
Associate's degree in Public Financial Worker Program AND two years of experience working with the public
Associate's degree OR completion of at least 90 quarter credits AND two years of experience working with the public.
High School graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND four or more years of experience in a closely related position such as: Public Financial Worker, Child Support Specialist, or Program Associate/Case Aid.

How many current years of work experience do you have as a Financial Worker/Eligibility Worker determining public assistance program eligibility in Minnesota?

Less than 2 years
2 - 4 years
5 -7 years
8 - 10 years
More than 10 years

Please describe your work experience as a Financial Worker/Eligibility Worker determining public assistance programs eligibility with a State or County Agency. Specifically identify the agency, length of employment and job title. If you have no experience, indicate 'NONE'.

What programs have you independently used to determine eligibility for? (Select all that apply).

Medical Assistance - MAXIS
Medical Assistance - METS
SNAP
Family Cash Programs
Adult Cash Programs (GA/MSA)
Housing Support
Emergency Assistance
Long-Term Care
Other

If you selected "Other" in question six (6), please describe that experience below

Which of the following systems have you used professionally? Select all that apply.

MAXIS
METS
MMIS
MEC
PRISM
Other - state eligibility systems

If selected "Other" in question eight (8), please list which system used.

The full salary range for this position is $58,606 - $91,571 and preferred hiring range is $58,606 - $73,257 annually. The amount that is offered is dependent on the candidates’ overall skills education, experience and internal equity. The offer would also include the County's benefits package.

Taking that information into consideration, what would be the minimum salary you'd accept if selected for the position?

Your response to this question will help Dakota County evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment sources for this specific position. Please select the one source that most closely describes how you first learned about this opportunity.

Facebook
Friend, Family or Colleague
Indeed
Job Fair or Dakota County Event
Job Interest e-mails from Dakota County
League of Minnesota Cities
LinkedIn
Diversityjobs.com
Minnesotaworks.net
Minnesota Association of Counties
Monster
Professional Association Website
Referred by a Dakota County Employee
College Website, Instructor, Career Services
Dakota County Website
Other

If you selected Other, please indicate where you heard about this opportunity with Dakota County.

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Dakota County
Address: Administration Center

1590 Highway 55

Hastings, Minnesota, 55033-2372
Phone: 651.438.4435
Website: http://www.dakotacounty.us

Financial Assistance Specialist II (FAS II)