Eligibility Specialist

Job Posting End Date: November 16, 2026 at 11:59pm CST

Hiring range: $57,262.40 to $77,292.80 ($27.53 to $37.16 per hour). Starting rate will depend on experience, education, and qualifications. Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County.

Come join our team at Anoka County where you can serve your community while enjoying the benefits of work-life balance! This includes 24 days paid of flexible time off and up to 12.5 holidays your first year.

In order to be considered for this position, information to support your answers must be included in your application. A resume attachment is optional and cannot be used in place of this application. Applications must be received by the closing deadline of 11:59pm on 11/16/2026 in order to be considered.

Position Description

The mission of the Anoka County Economic Assistance Department is to provide effective services that uphold dignity and promote self-sufficiency. Eligibility Specialists play a vital role in this mission by determining eligibility for public assistance programs, managing caseloads, and delivering case management services that help individuals and families achieve stability and independence.

Working under general supervision, Eligibility Specialists leverage their expertise in public assistance programs to assess client needs, verify complex documentation, and ensure accurate and timely benefit determinations. While they independently resolve moderately complex cases, they escalate more advanced issues to senior staff as needed. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of federal and state regulations to ensure compliance and fairness in the distribution of benefits.

As problem solvers and advocates, Eligibility Specialists provide essential support to individuals navigating difficult life circumstances. They collaborate with internal departments and external agencies, maintain meticulous records, and connect clients with additional community resources. Their ability to remain composed under pressure, process information efficiently, and offer compassionate service makes them invaluable in assisting those in need.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact in your community and excel in a fast-paced, high volume, customer-focused environment, consider joining Anoka County Human Services as an Eligibility Specialist!

This is a full-time, non-exempt, hybrid position. Interviews will take place the week of November 30th, 2026 for those selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Pay & Benefits

• •Anoka County Salary Schedule Grade 30: $57,262.40 to $77,292.80 ($27.53 to $37.16 per hour).
• •24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 paid holidays.
• •Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, flex benefits and more at www.anokacountymn.gov/benefits.
• •Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• •Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• •Advancement/professional development opportunities.

Work Location

• •This position will work at the Blaine Human Service Center, located at 1201 89th Ave Ne, Blaine, MN 55434.
• •This position is currently designated for hybrid remote work. Workers may be required to come onsite on average two times per month, or more as needed.
• •Expected work hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., flexible scheduling opportunities may be available.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

These examples are not all inclusive and are intended to be illustrative of primary responsibilities of an Anoka County Eligibility Specialist.

• •Manage a caseload of public assistance programs in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• •Meet with clients to assess their needs and apply regulations and work procedures to verify and determine benefits and eligibility for public assistance programs.
• •Interview clients, process required paperwork and determine eligibility for public assistance programs in accordance with rules and regulations.
• •Work collaboratively with other county departments and external agencies.
• •Determine initial and/or continuing eligibility of applicants for public assistance in all programs in accordance with existing regulations.
• •Interpret complex information from records and documents needed to determine eligibility.
• •Advocate for clients. Coordinate services and connect clients to appropriate resources.
• •Provide customer service over the phone and in person.
• •Work with clients in crisis and high stress situations to meet basic needs.
• •Maintain detailed, accurate records that support eligibility, meet monthly deadlines, and accurately interface with software programs.
• •Provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• •Requires high school diploma and at least 2 years of job-related experience
• •In lieu of the required education, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• •Currently employed as an eligibility specialist within the State of Minnesota or previously employed as an eligibility specialist within the last 12 months.
• •Three years or more of full-time (2,080 annual hours) experience administering public assistance programs in Minnesota.
• •Three years or more of full-time (2,080 annual hours) experience determining eligibility for either of the following public assistance programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance (MA) through MAXIS, or Medical Assistance (MA) through METS.
• •Currently employed as an eligibility specialist within the State of Minnesota or previously employed as an eligibility specialist within the last 12 months.
• •Bachelor’s degree or higher in Behavioral Science, Human Services, Education, or related field.
• •Able to communicate effectively with clients explaining complex rules and programs over the phone or in-person. To proactively correspond with clients, conduct interviews and explain complex rules and programs.
• •Able to interpret and understand federal laws, state statutes and regulations relating to public assistance programs.
• •Able to interpret financial documents such as tax documents, insurance policies, trusts, retirement accounts, etc.
• •Able to organize work, set priorities, make good decisions, and work independently under stress while maintaining clear, concise, and accurate records and reports.
• •Able to interpret and follow complex oral and written procedures
• •Able to enter data accurately and navigate a variety of computerized data systems and case management systems to ensure program integrity.
• •Able to use good judgement, compassion, and tact in dealing with clients.
• •Able to perform mathematical computations accurately and quickly.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

Standard office environment

Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus, such as to work on computers. Ability to see colors, shades, and brightness

Hearing abilities required for general and phone communication, signals, and machine sounds

Assignments are sedentary, occasionally alternating between sitting, standing, walking, crouching, and kneeling as required to perform job responsibilities. Frequent wrist and finger manipulation to complete computer work

Occasional lifting of 10-20 lbs.

Equipment used includes computers, phones, and standard office equipment

Occasional travel to other county work sites as needed. Travel between work sites may require driving a county vehicle and/or a personal vehicle

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

Selection Process

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and e