Job Description

JOB

Aitkin County Health and Human Services is accepting applications for a full-time (40 hours per week) Eligibility Worker. The Eligibility Worker performs a variety of tasks related to the determination of eligibility of clients for income maintenance programs and services; establish initial and on-going eligibility for multiple income maintenance programs; communicates program requirements and assists program participants in understanding how to maintain eligibility; supports program participants in achieving the highest degree of independence and in addressing barriers to self-sufficiency; provides education, enrollment and assistance to managed health care enrollees; makes appropriate referrals to other community resources; and performs related work as assigned.PLEASE SEE EXAMINATION PROCESS SECTION BELOW ON HOW TO APPLY AND HOW TO TAKE THE ONLINE MERIT SYSTEM EXAM.



EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

1. Communicate with and interview applicants/clients to explain related policies, laws, client/agency rights and responsibilities and gather the information necessary to assess initial and ongoing eligibility.2. Verify information and determine eligibility of clients for multiple public assistance programs according to Federal, State and County standards.3. Understand and explain application procedures to individuals or groups and answers questions of individuals on how to complete the application forms.4. Communicates program time limits, expectations and other program requirements to the client or authorized representative, and serves as central point of communication for financial, social services, child care and employment services.5. Advises clients on viable life options and promotes self-sufficiency.6. Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding the constant change to policy and procedure based on state and federal legislation and system upgrades. This is done through trainings, bulletins, manuals and meetings.7. Informs applicants about managed health care, determines eligibility for enrollment in managed health care, and resolves problems and questions from health plans, health care providers, enrollees and other staff.8. Inputs data into multiple county and state computer systems and analyze the results for accuracy.9. Re-determines eligibility and benefit amounts required by changes in a client's status, by reviewing and verifying client information, preparing budgets and related documents, and calculating benefit amounts in accordance with established benefit standards.10. Maintains complete and accurate records on client's eligibility for all assigned programs.11. Provides requisite information on new and existing cases to child support, employment services, social services, and other appropriate staff.12. Advises clients of case status, including explaining eligibility requirements and benefit factors, assesses client needs, and refers clients to programs and other community resources to assist them in maintaining eligibility, or in the event that the client is no longer eligible for public assistance.13. Matches client eligibility information with other data files (IRS, Social Security, DEED, AVS, etc.) to verify income and asset sources and to resolve discrepancies and provide investigative information for fraud referrals.14. Responds to complaints of clients and informs clients of the right and method of appeal and other legal rights.15. Prepares county case for appeal hearings, documenting the actions taken by the county and provides testimony at the appeal hearing.16. Assists law enforcement and the county attorney's office in preparing cases for prosecution and provides testimony in court.17. Makes referrals to social services and community resources, when appropriate.18. Respond on a timely basis to client, provider and agency inquiries.19. Provides input into the development and evaluation of the income maintenance unit's policies and procedures.20. Composes correspondence and constructs reports as needed.21. Protects the interest of taxpayers with vigilant attention to changes in rules and regulations through new materials distributed.22. Assist in training new staff.23. Contributes to the agency by serving on committees, teams, panels, etc.24. Treats all persons and agencies with respect, dignity, sensitivity and tact.25. Attends training and meetings as needed.26. Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.



SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

In order to be considered for this job, you must take and pass an examination, which is offered online. The examination consists of seven (7) sub-sections measuring arithmetic, eligibility determination and reading comprehension. You will need a calculator and/or scratch paper in order to complete this exam.After your Merit System application has been submitted, you will be sent an invite e mail with a unique link to access the examination sections. You will need scratch paper and/or a calculator to complete the exam. Set aside enough time to take this examination in it's entirety (in one sitting). It is a TIMED exam and will allow one hour and thirty minutes to take the exam; a timer will appear in the upper right hand corner of your screen showing you how much time remains as you go through the exam. If you get out of a section before completing it - it will score the unanswered questions as "0s" zeros and you will not be given credit. Please take the exam in it's entirety in one sitting as required.If a passing score is obtained, your score will remain on the eligible list up to one year (or until you are hired into a permanent position). You will not need to re-take this online examination if you have obtained a passing score of at least 70. If you have any changes to your application, such as updating your availability, please notify the Merit System directly. How to apply: Apply to posting 951-Online (5) - Eligibility Worker - Online Exam (5) by the Wednesday, October 29th, 2025Please note, you are applying for a specific county vacancy and the exam must be completed online by Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 (midnight).An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer