Eligibility Navigator

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists Scott County residents by assessing their needs, availability, and access to services; gathers information and determines which available resources may meet those needs.   
•  Provides support to clients regarding public assistance programs and benefits; answers client questions regarding eligibility, application process, case status, and verifications; provides advocacy and assistance to those facing challenges with any part of the process; accurately documents case information and communication in the client case record and also within the county electronic document management system.
•  Conducts outreach to clients facing case closure or denial; determines what barriers exist and provides assistance needed to avoid loss or denial of benefits.
•  Provides training on programs, work methods, and procedures to other staff.
•  Maintains current knowledge of policies for all programs and shares that knowledge with residents and clients to keep them informed of their rights and responsibilities.
• Provides triage services and serves as single point of contact for inquiries from other Health and Human Services departments; helps coordinate services by collaborating with interdepartmental staff and external service providers.
•  Tracks client and staff contacts and services provided for data evaluation purposes.
•  Represents the county in internal and external workgroups; prepares and presents information to community groups about economic assistance and navigator resources and functions; develops and maintains relationships with other service professionals and agencies in order to facilitate individuals' access to programs and other resources.
•  Assists with continuous process improvement through the evaluation of effectiveness of interdepartmental programs and processes; makes recommendations to management.
•  Accurately navigates, interprets information, and maintains knowledge within state systems 
•  Operates within laws that govern Data Privacy and Freedom of Information.
•  Participates in special projects as needed.
• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.  
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires high school diploma/GED and three years of recent experience as an Eligibility Specialist/Financial Worker in the state of Minnesota working with a caseload that administers a majority of public assistance programs OR a combined total of 3 years determining eligibility for both public assistance and private subsidy programs. Must have a valid driver’s license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities. Experience in social services and multiple public assistance programs is preferred.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

With latitude for independent judgment, the employee is under general supervision of Eligibility Supervisor. The employee follows established procedures and guidelines. Work is reviewed on a systematic basis by State Quality Control reviewers. 

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

• Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.
• Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.
• Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.
• Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.
• Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.
• Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.
• Knowledge – Knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements of federal, state, and county public sssistance programs.
• Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies and procedures, and available community resources.
• Knowledge of eligibility for social service programs and the County Fee System.
• Knowledge of all public assistance eligibility systems (MAXIS, METS, MMIS) and how they relate to other systems (PRISM, SSIS). 
• Knowledge and understanding of the county-selected EDMS system.
• Knowledge of financial case management and interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of available community resources.
•  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, clients, and the community.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish procedures of problem solving.
• Ability to effectively organize and coordinate work activities.
• Ability to analyze problems regarding public assistance programs.
• Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to use, Outlook, MS Office software, and other county applications for the performance of essential duties.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. Occasional offsite work in a community setting is required.  

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. 

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.