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: Continuous posting with first review of candidates on Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Note: This posting is limited to applicants who have at least 24 months of recent experience determining eligibility for public assistance benefits in Minnesota, or who have been out of the position for no more than 6 months but previously held at least 2 years of such experience. This posting will be used to fill multiple positions.

Examples of Some Work Performed in this Position

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

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Position Duties

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution.

OR

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

OR

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

OR

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

AND must be proficient at keyboard skills including typing at least 35 WPM.

To be eligible for hire, an applicant must successfully complete a background check and meet the criminal history background criteria required to access certain networks/systems necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. The law and/or County policy will disqualify applicants with a particular criminal history background from employment 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.

1. Interview Dakota County residents to assess their needs, gather information, and determine what governmental or community resources can meet those needs.
2. 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.
3. Determine clients' economic, social, and health-related issues. Provide services by assessing and determining financial assistance program eligibility.
4. Coordinate services by collaborating with staff and external service providers.
5. Reassess clients' needs and eligibility criteria to determine continued program eligibility and ensure their well-being as required or needed.
6. Represent the agency in legal settings and interview clients and their legal representatives.
7. Represent the agency in internal and external work groups and advisory committees, document and prepare presentations.
8. 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 monthly 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.

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)