Financial Worker (Account Specialist)

**MN MERIT SYSTEM APPLICATION AND LETTER OF INTEREST WITH RESUME REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION.  DO NOT CLICK ON APPLY NOW WITHIN THIS POSTING.  PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY.**

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To be considered for this position, you must submit an application through MN Merit AND submit a letter of interest and resume to Winona County by 4:00 p.m. on January 21, 2025.  You must be eligible for appointment by the MN Merit System.  To apply, click here and click on the Eligibility Worker Online Exam. 

Examination process:  In order to be considered for this job, you must take and pass the online examination that measures math skills used in determining eligibility for programs and reading comprehension.  After your Merit System application has been submitted, you will be sent a link to access the examination sections--if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job classification.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  You must complete the exam within (3) three days of the closing date, or by no later than midnight, January 24, 2025.  Additionally, interested individuals shall also submit a letter of interest and resume to the attention of Maureen Holte, County Administrator, Winona County Office Building, 202 W. Third Street, Winona, MN 55987 (507) 457-6352 or fax: (507) 454-9366 or email WinonaCountyHR@co.winona.mn.us by 4:00 p.m. January 21, 2025.

This position starts at $27.30/hour (DOQ) with advancement up to $36.15/hour (2024 wages).

Characteristics of Class:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of tasks related to the determination of eligibility of clients for income maintenance programs including food support, health care, cash assistance, and grant determination; may assist child support officers in carrying out routine assignments associated with support or collections work; and performs related work as assigned.  Work is performed in an office setting.

Examples of Duties: 
Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples, listed in their relative order of importance, include all duties which may be found in positions in this class.
* Determines eligibility of clients for income maintenance programs, which includes the initial and on-going determination of eligibility.
* Interviews clients to obtain necessary factual information, and verifies information received from clients.
* Interviews clients receiving public assistance benefits to determine their continued eligibility.
* 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.
* Maintains complete and accurate records on clients' eligibility.
* Provides requisite information on new and existing cases to child support, employment services and other appropriate staff.
* Explains social service, income maintenance, and other community programs to individuals or groups.
* Explains and interprets policy and rules to clients, staff, and other individuals.
* Responds to complaints of clients and informs them of their rights and method of appeal and other legal rights.
* Performs data entry into multiple county and state computer systems and retrieves information from those systems.
* Prepares county case for appeal hearings, documenting the actions taken by the county and provides testimony at the appeal hearing.
* Provides input into the development and evaluation of agency policies, programs and procedures.
* Composes correspondence and constructs report as needed.
* Any other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
Any combination of training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills and abilities.

For Full Performance:
* Knowledge of interviewing techniques and skills in conducting interviews.
* Knowledge of agency programs, operations, policies and procedures, as well as relevant laws and guidelines.
* Knowledge of available community resources.
* Knowledge of human behavior.
* Knowledge of MAXIS data information system, MMIS, SSIS and Prism System.
* Ability to accept and profit from supervision.
* Ability to accurately and rapidly process detailed information.
* Ability to interpret legal documents, complex rules, manual materials and bulletins as they apply to income maintenance programs.

For Pre-Employment: 
* Three years of clerical experience and/or experience working with the public, or the equivalent.
OR
* Two years of clerical experience in a welfare/human service agency.
OR
* Two years of experience as a Community Service Aide or similar experience in a private non-profit agency or other public agency.
OR
* Two years of study at an accredited two or four year college/university or similar institution, with emphasis in the behavioral sciences, business, or closely related subjects (at least 23 quarter credits or 16 semester credits).
OR
* Successful completion of the technical college Public Welfare Financial Worker diploma program (applicants must be within six months of completion of the program).
OR
* Successful completion of the technical college Public Welfare Financial Worker certificate program will substitute for one year of the required clerical experience or experience working with the public. 
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, public, co-workers and agency administration.
* Knowledge of office procedures, practices, equipment and software programs.
* Ability to effectively utilize multiple complex computer systems.
* Data entry and keyboarding skills.
* Ability to organize and coordinate job activities.
* Ability to establish and maintain accurate and systematic records.
* Ability to remain objective and make decisions.
* Ability to express ideas clearly and ability to comprehend and follow complex written and verbal instructions.
* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
* Must pass a personal background investigation.

For full job classification including ADA requirements, click here.

For a copy of the benefit statement for this position, click here.

Salary : $27 - $36