Eligibility Specialist, Human Services Department

Salary

Stearns County Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.
Stearns County Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Hiring Range for Experienced Eligibility Specialists: $27.93 - $33.35/hourly

Do you have a passion for helping people? Are you a motivated, detail-oriented person who enjoys working with the public? In this position, you will frequently interact with a diverse range of clients to provide quality customer service. We will train the right candidate for this position….if you have experience providing service delivery to community members, apply today! Stearns County derives strength from its workforce and provides a welcoming environment where all are respected and valued. 

Position Objective
To provide the initial and on-going determination of clients’ eligibility for federal and state public assistance programs while interacting with a diverse range of clients to provide quality customer service. This position is responsible for reviewing financial documents, interpreting program rules and requirements, and verifying client information to determine eligibility.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.
 
1. Determines timely and accurate eligibility for federal and state public assistance programs.
2. Evaluates information submitted from various sources including but not limited to client applications, financial institutions, vendors, and government institutions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
3. Conducts case analysis to ensure program integrity and compliance.
4. Collects, informs, and reviews various verification and documentation to ensure accurate eligibility determinations.
5. Conducts client interviews primarily by phone to receive all necessary information from clients and to provide applicants with information on processes and programs.
6. Establishes and maintains complete case records to ensure accuracy in the systems of record enabling appropriate decision making and correct benefit determinations.
7. Identifies and assesses potential fraud, waste, and abuse; makes referrals for overpayments and fraud investigations; performs related follow-up functions.
8. Participates in and presents pertinent information at appeal hearings and administrative hearings.
9. Interprets, explains, and implements complex rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to clients, community groups, and colleagues.
10. Maintains a working knowledge of community resources and makes referrals to inform clients of all potential available resources.
11. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
12. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• High School graduate or equivalent

• Two years of post-secondary formal education and a minimum of six months of experience in administrative/office support, education, financial services, or working with benefit eligibility/service delivery programs OR four years of related experience in administrative/office support, education, financial services, or working with benefit eligibility/service delivery programs OR two years of related County Human Services experience.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Knowledge of department programs and operations.
2. Knowledge of community resources.
3. Ability to handle confidential/sensitive client information.
4. Ability to utilize complex computer applications.
5. Ability to recognize and respect cultural differences.
6. Ability to interpret complex rules and policies as they apply to programs.
7. Ability to utilize effective interviewing techniques.
8. Ability to accurately process detailed information according to established timelines.
9. Ability to establish and maintain accurate records.
10. Ability to comprehend and follow complex written and verbal instructions.
11. Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment while meeting multiple deadlines.
12. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. 

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees 

1. Consistently performs job responsibilities with a positive attitude and in a manner consistent with the County’s mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a respectful and collaborative professional relationship with all County employees and the public we serve.
3. Values and respects the diversity each employee brings to the organization.
4. Develops and maintains knowledge and understanding of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
5. Complies with all rules and policies to maintain a safe work environment

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 100% of the time indoors. May require minimal travel to off-site locations and minimal attendance at evening meetings. Will have infrequent exposure to health hazards and accidents; requires a low level of physical effort. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota.

Responsibility for Public Contact
Frequent.

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Human Services Supervisor.

Hours of Work
This position has a usual work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include hours outside of normal work hours on occasion. Potential to work hybrid location/flexible work hours.

Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on February 23, 2026. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience

Benefits

To view Stearns County benefits go to: Stearns County Benefits Page

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.