Position Summary
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- Perform all duties of the eligibility specialist classification, including determining resident eligibility for various public assistance programs, and process complex cases.
- Effectively communicate program time limits, expectations and other program requirements to residents, internal and external social services providers, and other community resources.
- Assist residents in finding resources that supports independence from public assistance programs to include connecting residents to community resources to obtain services not provided by public assistance programs.
- Provide guidance, training and advice to other eligibility specialists on procedures, policies, and programs; review work by current and new employees; and review cases for accuracy according to Department of Human Service (DHS) and federal requirements.
- Act as a central resource person for internal and external customers, research and resolve problems concerning eligibility, benefit amounts or access to community resources.
- Interpret regulations and advise other workers in unit on how to handle problematic case situations.
- Prepare cases for appeals; attend appeal hearings; and work with the County Attorney’s office to investigate cases referred for disqualification by gathering evidence and identifying witnesses.
- Prepare special reports as necessary.
- Maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal state and local standards.
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- Training and Experience Rating \= 100%
To lead and/or provide specialized or comprehensive program support for public assistance programs; provide work guidance and assistance to staff; train staff in current and updated practices; resolve complex problems for internal and external customers; conduct quality control; determine eligibility of benefits for various public assistance programs; and perform related duties as assigned. Depending on the unit assigned, employees may perform some or all of the following functions.
Flexible Workplace:
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in\-office full\-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two\-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote\-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on\-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy
Examples of Work Performed
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.) ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9\.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: High School Graduation or equivalent. Experience: Five years of clerical, customer service or client service experience, including three years of experience as a Eligibility Specialist, one of the three years of Eligibility Specialist experience can include experience determining eligibility for a government based financial or medical assistance program. Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience. Certifications/Licensure: None.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
The examination for Eligibility Specialist Senior will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions –do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an Eligibility Specialist. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for 90 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.
The names of all applicants who pass the examination with a score of 35% or higher will be forwarded to thedepartment for further consider.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E\-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E\-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I\-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E\-Verify to pre\-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I\-9\.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact: Crystal.Diaz@co.ramsey.mn.us
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well\-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026\-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026\.pdf
* Medical, dental and vision insurance
+ The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
+ Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee \+ legally married spouse, Employee \+ Child(ren), Family
+ Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
+ MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
+ VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
* Pre\-tax Benefit Program
+ Pre\-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
+ Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
+ County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
* Paid time off
+ Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro\-rated for part\-time employees)
+ 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
+ Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
+ Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
+ Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
* Retirement benefits
+ Pension \- The county contributes at least 7\.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
+ New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
+ Deferred compensation \- 457(b) account with employer match
+ Health Care Savings Plan \- all benefits\-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
* Transit and parking
+ Fully funded Metropass.
+ Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
* Employee well\-being
+ Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
+ Wellness programming
+ Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
* Life Insurance and Disability leave
+ County provided Basic Life coverage \- 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000\. Optional supplemental coverage available
+ Long\-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
+ Short\-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90\-day waiting period
* Career development
+ Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
+ Online professional development opportunities through the Learning \& Development Center
+ County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
+ Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues
For information about Ramsey County's 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026\-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026\.pdf