Eligibility Specialist – Experienced (Hybrid)

Hiring range: $57,262.40 to $ $77,292.80 ($27.53 to $37.16 per hour). Starting rate will depend on experience, education, and qualifications. Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County. 

Come join our team at Anoka County where you can serve your community while enjoying the benefits of work-life balance! This includes 24 days paid of flexible time off and up to 12.5 holidays your first year. 

In order to be considered for this position, information to support your answers must be included in your application. A resume attachment is optional and cannot be used in place of this application. Applications must be received by the closing deadline of 11:59pm on 05/30/2025

Position Description

The Anoka County Economic Assistance team is currently accepting applications to fill current and future vacancies within our department. Guided by our mission, “To provide effective services with a focus on dignity and self-sufficiency”, we are seeking individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

In this role, staff conduct in-depth interviews with individuals and families, interpret complex verifications, and apply this information to determine initial and ongoing eligibility for public assistance programs such as food support, cash, emergency assistance, and healthcare. The work involves managing a caseload, ensuring individuals maintain access to vital resources, and supporting self-sufficiency and independence through effective case management.

Team members operate under general supervision and are expected to have a solid understanding of program guidelines and procedures. They handle moderately complex situations independently while referring more complicated cases to senior staff for guidance. Success in this position requires advanced technical knowledge across multiple programs, familiarity with departmental processes, and skill in automated case administration. Staff members are often seen as troubleshooting and resource experts who remain calm under pressure and can quickly process information to meet the needs of those they serve.

If you're passionate about public service and want to make a positive difference in your community, consider joining Anoka County Human Services and contributing to the work we do every day.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, hybrid position. Interviews will take place within two weeks of applications, for those selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Pay & Benefits

• Salary: $57,262.40 to $ $77,292.80 ($27.53 to $37.16 per hour).
• 2025 Anoka County Salary Schedule Grade 30: $57,262.40 to $77,292.80 ($27.53 to $37.16 per hour).
• 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 paid holidays.
• Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, flex benefits and more at www.anokacountymn.gov/benefits.
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• Advancement/professional development opportunities.

Work Location

• This position will work at the Blaine Human Service Center, located at 1201 89th Ave Ne, Blaine, MN 55434.
• This position is currently designated for hybrid remote work. Workers may be required to come onsite on average two times per month, or as needed.
• Expected work hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., flexible scheduling opportunities may be available.

Job Duties and Responsibility’s

These examples are not all inclusive and are intended to be illustrative of primary responsibilities of an Anoka County Eligibility Specialist.
 

• Manage a caseload of public assistance programs in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Meet with clients to assess their needs and apply regulations and work procedures to verify and determine benefits and eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Interview clients, process required paperwork, and determine eligibility for public assistance programs in accordance with rules and regulations.
• Work collaboratively with other county departments and external agencies.
• Determine initial and/or continuing eligibility of applicants for public assistance in all programs in accordance with existing regulations.
• Interpret complex information from records and documents needed to determine eligibility.
• Advocate for clients. Coordinate services and connect clients to appropriate resources.
• Provide customer service over the phone and in person.
• Work with clients in crisis and high stress situations to meet basic needs.
• Maintain detailed, accurate records that support eligibility, meet monthly deadlines, and accurately interface with software programs.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• High School diploma and at least 2 years of job-related experience
• In lieu of the required education, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Three years of experience determining eligibility in a public assistance department within a Minnesota county.
• Experience working with MAXIS and/or METS (MNsure) systems.
• Experience working with SNAP.
• Experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs outside of Minnesota.
• Experience working at the Department of Human Services or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families with public assistance programs.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Behavioral Science, Human Services, Education, or related field.
• Able to communicate effectively with clients explaining complex rules and programs over the phone or in-person. To proactively correspond with clients, conduct interviews and explain complex rules and programs.
• Able to interpret and understand federal laws, state statutes and regulations relating to public assistance programs.
• Able to interpret financial documents such as tax documents, insurance policies, trusts, retirement accounts, etc.
• Able to organize work, set priorities, make good decisions, and work independently under stress while maintaining clear, concise, and accurate records and reports.
• Able to interpret and follow complex oral and written procedures
• Able to enter data accurately and navigate a variety of computerized data systems and case management systems to ensure program integrity.
• Able to use good judgement, compassion, and tact in dealing with clients.
• Able to perform mathematical computations accurately and quickly.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

• Standard office environment 
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus, such as to work on computers. Ability to see colors, shades, and brightness 
• Hearing abilities required for general and phone communication, signals, and machine sounds
• Assignments are sedentary, occasionally alternating between sitting, standing, walking, crouching, and kneeling as required to perform job responsibilities. Frequent wrist and finger manipulation to complete computer work 
• Occasional lifting of 10-20 lbs. 
• Equipment used includes computers, phones, and standard office equipment 
• Occasional travel to other county work sites as needed. Travel between work sites may require driving a county vehicle and/or a personal vehicle 
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions  

Selection Process

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions.

Pre-employment Requirements

Anoka County has determined that successfully passing a pre-employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen and DOT physical, and/or other qualifications checks may be necessary for certain positions. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the County to obtain to conduct such screenings and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

About Anoka County

As the fourth largest county in Minnesota, we depend on the diversity, dedication, determination, and innovation of our employees. We offer a wide range of career opportunities for people with a variety of personalities, abilities, knowledge, and life experiences who can come together for the single purpose of serving Anoka County’s 369,000 citizens in a respectful, innovative, and fiscally responsible manner. If your career aspirations resonate with our mission, we invite you to Find Your Path with Anoka County! Hear from other Anoka County employees here.

Commitment to Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employment

Anoka County is committed to the principles of our Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity. It is the policy of Anoka County to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, physical ability, sexual orientation, or age except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification. It is the policy of Anoka County to make employment decisions in a manner that will further our Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity.

If you require accommodations or have any other questions regarding this job posting, please call the Anoka County Human Resources Department at 763-324-4300 and reference the posting title and number. If you have questions about the hiring process, please visit: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4411/Application-Process.

Anoka County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy: https://www.anokacounty.us/401/Diversity-EEO