Financial Assistance Specialist II - Hastings - Dakota County, MN

Description

Salary : $58, $91,571.00 Annually
Location : West St. Paul, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Employment & Economic Assistance
Opening Date: 01/28/2026
Closing Date: 2/11/2026 4:30 PM Central
General Description
POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Employment & Economic Assistance
HOURS: Full-time (40 hours per week).
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $58,606- $73,257 annually
FULL SALARY RANGE: $58,606 - $91,571 annually (Grade 106)
LOCATION: West St. Paul/Hybrid with Telework
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 2/11/2026
Come join us at Dakota County and "Be more". Dakota County employs nearly 2000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work. The work County government does is unique.
Dakota County offers important careers - like the Program Eligibility Specialist (FAS II)- that make a difference in people's lives. You will not be just another employee; you'll be a valued employee making a difference in the lives of Dakota County residents every single day. If you have experience as a Financial Worker and want to start a career with Dakota County, you are encouraged to apply. Will you be the next person to join us at Dakota County?
In this position, you will evaluate Dakota County residents' basic needs, health and well-being are met by assessing clients' economic, social, and health-related issues in order to accurately determine public assistance program eligibility. Some examples of programs are Child Care Assistance Program, General Assistance, Medicaid, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), MNsure, and Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Hiring Webinar (to be included in posting): at a Teams Meeting on Monday, Feb 2nd from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Learn more about these critical Public Assistance positions and bring your questions shares some of the highlights of being a Program Eligibility Specialist, with opportunities to serve public assistance clients, learn programs and policy, and computer system entry.
This position is for someone who enjoys working with people and on computers, plus has an interest in helping individuals or families in times of financial crisis. Public Assistance Eligibility Specialists are often the first line of defense against poverty. We use in depth analysis of information received from internal and external customers, and multiple data sources. This career requires attention to detail, quality customer service and strong interpersonal communication skills.
Examples of Some Work Performed in this Position

• Determine eligibility for multiple public assistance programs, complete interviews, and review and verify information received from multiple sources.
• Review household information periodically to ensure accurate ongoing eligibility.
• Communicate program rules and requirements, benefit levels, expectations, and timelines to customers via phone, virtual meeting, email, or in-person contact at county building or occasional events.
• Calculate benefit amounts per county, state, and federal program guidelines.
• Data entry into multiple state and county computer systems.
• Provide case management on individual or team caseload.

Click for information from our staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution.
OR
Associate's Degree AND TWO or more years' experience working with the public.
OR
Technical Certificate/Diploma AND THREE or more years' experience working with the public.
OR
Completion of at least 90 quarter credits (Incomplete degree) AND TWO or more years' experience working with the public.
OR
High School graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND FOUR or more years' experience in a closely related position such as: Public Financial Worker, Child Support Specialist, or Program Associate/Case Aid.
OR
A combination of related education and experience to total Four years
AND
Candidate must be proficient at keyboard skills including typing at least 35 WPM.
To be eligible for hire, an applicant must successfully complete a background check and meet the criminal history background criteria required to access certain networks/systems necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.
Duties & Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

• Demonstrates a commitment to support cultural diversity County wide and actively supports the County's diversity initiatives and works to address the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
• Interview Dakota County residents to assess their needs, gather information, and determine what governmental or community resources can meet those needs.
• Provide services by assessing and determining financial assistance program eligibility.
• Complete ongoing required trainings which includes, but not limited to; process, policy, safety, technology, data integrity.
• Coordinate services by collaborating with staff and external service providers.
• Reassess clients' needs and eligibility criteria to determine continued program eligibility and ensure their well-being as required or needed.
• Represent the agency in administrative-type settings related to program eligibility, including appeals.
• Represent the agency in internal and external work groups and advisory committees, document and prepare presentations.
• Provide training/mentorship on programs, work methods, and procedures to other agency staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1-9
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the diversity of customers, staff, and co-workers.
• Creates a respectful workplace that promotes equity and addresses the needs of diverse and underserved communities.
• Ability to assess a persons' social, economic, emotional, and health needs.
• Ability to assess complex life situations and make related decisions and recommendations to resolve problems with compassion and knowledge.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computer software and information systems.
• Knowledge of investigative interviewing techniques via phone, virtual or face to face, which includes fact finding, de-escalation skills, empathy, and acquired and/or lived experience.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Some knowledge of income and asset types and their relationship to public assistance program eligibility.
• Must possess a high level of analytical skills.
• Possess strong customer service skills to effectively communicate with both our internal and external customers.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including composing comprehensive and concise case notes.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work under stress and use discretion in making decisions.
• Ability to work with customers that are under stress. Using interpersonal skills of active listening, conversation control, possible de-escalation techniques, and understanding their needs.
• Ability to prioritize work according to client and agency needs.
• Ability to effectively keyboard and manage electronic documents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is a combination of in a Dakota County office building and through remote arrangement. Lifting requirement of up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to, computer, printer, calculator, telephone, and copy and fax machines.
Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background check(s)

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware working environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Visit our Benefits site for more information.
01
Applicants for this recruitment will be rated based on their answers to the supplemental questions listed below and application materials. It is IMPERATIVE that information provided on the application and resume are detailed and clearly outline your work experience & skills. They must also support and/or match answers to the supplemental questions.Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that the information provided is accurate and true to the best of your knowledge. Falsification may result in disqualification from consideration for this and subsequent recruitments with Dakota County for up to three years.
02
Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that you have reviewed, understand and possess the minimum qualifications for this position.
03
Do you understand that this position evaluates clients' economic needs to determine eligibility for public assistance programs and referrals to other community supports?

• Yes
• No

04
Select which best describes your education and related experience.

• High School graduate or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND FOUR or more years' experience in a closely related position such as: Public Financial Worker, Child Support Specialist, or Program Associate/Case Aid.
• Technical Certificate/Diploma AND THREE or more years' experience working with the public
• Completion of at least 90 quarter credits (Incomplete degree) AND TWO or more years' experience working with the public
• Associate's Degree AND TWO or more years' experience working with the public
• Bachelor or Master's Degree and additional work experience
• Bachelor or Master's Degree but NO work experience
• A combination of related education and experience to total Four years of experience
• I do not have any of the above mentioned education and related work experience

05
How many words per minute do you type?If selected for an interview, the answer to this supplemental question will be verified during the interview process.If you are unsure of your typing speed you can take a free online typing test at

• Less than 35 WPM
• 35 or more WPM

06
Did you complete a degree or diploma in the Human Services Eligibility Worker Program at Pine Technical College or Inver Hills Technical College OR a Pathways training program or similar training program related to the Human Services Program Eligibility Specialist position?

• No, I did not complete a degree, receive a diploma, or complete a Pathways program
• Yes, I completed a degree or received a diploma in the Human Services Eligibility Worker Program
• Yes, I completed a Pathways training program related to the Human Services Eligibility Worker

07
How many years of work experience do you have as a Financial Worker/Eligibility Worker determining public assistance program eligibility with a State, County or Tribal Agency?

• No experience up to 2 years
• 2 - 3 years
• More than 3 years

08
Please describe your work experience as a Financial Worker/Eligibility Worker determining public assistance programs eligibility with a State, County or Tribal Agency. Specifically identify the agency, length of employment, job title and programs you administered. If you have no experience, indicate 'NONE'.
09
How many years of experience do you have working or volunteering with underrepresented communities (people of color, lower social-economic levels, etc.)? Include positions where your clients were at least 20% from these populations.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• 3 - 5 years
• More than 5 years

10
Describe your working or volunteering experience with underrepresented communities (people of color, lower social-economic levels, etc.). Include positions where at least 20% of your clients were from these populations.
11
Have you been a Financial Worker in Minnesota within the past two years?

• Yes
• No

12
Have you previously worked for Dakota County?

• Yes
• No

13
What is your preferred salary for this position?
14
Your response to this question will help Dakota County evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment sources for this specific position. Please select the one source that most closely describes how you first learned about this opportunity.

• Facebook
• Friend, Family or Colleague
• InDeed
• Job Fair or Dakota County Event
• Job Interest e-mails from Dakota County
• JobsInMinneapolis/StPaul
• League of Minnesota Cities
• LinkedIn
• Minneapolis
• Minnesota
• Minnesota Works Website
• Minnesota Jobs
• Minnesota Association of Counties
• Monster
• Professional Association Website
• Referred by a Dakota County Employee
• St Paul
• College Website, Instructor, Career Services
• Dakota County Website
• Other

15
If you selected Other, please indicate where you heard about this opportunity with Dakota County.