Eligibility Worker

• Interviews clients to determine potential eligibility for available programs and expedited services, obtain necessary factual information and verify information received.
• Provide information to educate individuals or groups about types of available programs, services, and resources to the public via telephone, mail, walk-ins, and presentations.
• Provide guidance on how to apply for programs, the application process, and necessary documentation. 
• Assist clients with completing applications including utilizing the Language Line for interpretive services.   
• Screen applications to determine which programs clients may potentially be eligible for based on their current needs. Request or forward applications and cases to other agencies if necessary.    
• Provide specific program rules and eligibility criteria. 
• Be knowledgeable of community resources to make appropriate client referrals.
• Refer clients to other programs of assistance in agency and community. 
• Evaluate applications and verify the information for program eligibility and needed documentation.
• Determine and approve eligibility for accurate benefits based on client information and verifications following state and federal guidelines; applications must be processed within program timelines.
• Accurately enter case information into computer programs.
• Re-determine eligibility for benefits per program guidelines or depending on client’s change in income or status; suspend or close cases as necessary based on program eligibility.
• Evaluate and determine cost-effective health insurance payments and make updates to the computer program.
• Conduct continuous tracking of cases relating to client household changes, pending applications, retroactive coverage, time exemptions for certain programs, and any other factors which would affect eligibility for programs.
• Determine overpayments for all programs if applicable and report possible fraud cases to Fraud Prevention Investigator.
• Complete ongoing training (online, unit meetings, conferences) and provide training to new EW staff.
• Perform peer case reviews to maintain the accuracy of cases. 
• Assist law enforcement, fraud investigators, and the county attorney's office in the preliminary investigation, and preparing cases for prosecution.
• Prepare county cases for appeal hearings and participate in appeal hearings or provide testimony in court as needed. 
• Provides input to assist Supervisors in developing procedures for program areas that are left to the discretion of the county agency.    
• Provide orientation, training, and ongoing system and program support to both new and experienced workers for each specifically assigned caseload.  
• Provide backup caseload coverage for absent staff. 
• Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.
• Reliable, predictable attendance and punctuality. 
• Other duties, as assigned or apparent.  

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT HIRE :

Education and Experience: 

High School Diploma or equivalent. Two years of study at an accredited two-or four-year college or university or similar institution, with an emphasis in the behavioral sciences, business, or closely related subjects (at least 23-quarter credits or 16-semester credits); or
 
Successful completion of the technical college Human Services Eligibility Worker certificate program will substitute for one year of the required clerical experience working with the public; or  
 
Three years of clerical experience or experience working with the public or some combination of the two, totaling three years; or
 
Two years of clerical experience in a Social Service/Human Services agency.

Licenses and Other Requirements: 

Currently possess a valid Class D, Minnesota State Driver's License, or ability to obtain upon start of employment.

REQUIRED MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & QUALITIES AT HIRE:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, the public, co-workers, and agency administration.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and verbal form, with a culturally diverse clientele.
• Data entry and keyboarding.
• Accurately and rapidly process detailed information.
• Establish and maintain accurate and systematic records. 
• Ability to manage multiple interruptions and be responsible for the time management of caseload. 
• Troubleshoot and determine system problems vs. human error regarding the computer systems.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, make decisions, and work independently under stress.