Position Summary EXCITING NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITY!
JOIN BENTON COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES AS A LEAD ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST!
Benton County is accepting applications for a full-time LEAD ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST position in the Financial Assistant Unit of the Human Services Department. The selected candidate will lead the Intake Service Specialist (ISS) team.
Take the next step in your career! This leadership opportunity is ideal for a candidate interested in supporting a team, sharing knowledge, and helping deliver essential financial assistance services to the community. The selected candidate will lead the Intake Service Specialist (ISS) team.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS2026 Hiring Wage (Step 1): $27.05 per hour. Placement above Step 1 may be considered based on directly related qualifications and experience. Career Progression Potential (Step 11): Up to $37.10 per hour. Position Type: Full-time, AFSCME union represented. Department: Human Services – Financial Unit. IMPORTANT HIRING DATESApplication Deadline: Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Application Review Begins: Friday, November 13, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the posting closes. Tentative Interview Date: Friday, November 20, 2026. Initial interviews may be conducted by phone or in person. Please monitor your email for updates and scheduling information. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DEPARTMENTFor more information about Benton County Human Services and the Financial Assistant Unit, visit the Benton County Human Services Financial Assistance webpage. VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AND APPLYVisit Benton County Career Opportunities to view the full job description and submit your application.
Position Summary This position is responsible for acting as a lead worker for Financial Assistance Unit eligibility workers by providing training, mentoring, guidance, assigning, and reviewing work. The position is also responsible for maintaining and managing a caseload for financial assistance and health care programs and services.Essential Duties and Responsibilities Duties and Responsibilities Essential Functions A. Provide training and guidance to Eligibility Specialists and Senior Eligibility Specialists for all financial assistance programs. B. Assign and review the work of Eligibility Specialists and provide work direction to the assigned program area. C. Assign work schedules and tasks. D. Maintain Client Complaint Resolution under the guidance of the Unit Supervisor. E. Interpret statutes and manual materials. F. Train new employees and continue training for experienced employees, which includes: (1) Administrative duties to the Financial Assistance Unit, (2) Customer service duties to the general public including phone calls and walk-ins, (3) Eligibility Specialist staff with multiple financial assistance programs, and (4) Eligibility Specialist staff with entering and assigning all applications for public assistance programs. G. Assist in the development and implementation of new procedures and changes within the unit. H. Maintain and oversee rotation of duties assigned to the phone bank. I. Develop statistical reports regarding caseload administration. J. Assist supervisor in employee performance evaluations. K. Complete case reviews to ensure quality services. L. Monitor Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) reports and ensure corrective action. M. Prepare county cases for appeal hearings, documenting the actions taken by the county and providing testimony at the appeal hearing. N. Assist in appeal preparation and attend appeal hearings. O. Coordinate coverage of caseloads during staff absences. P. Maintain current knowledge of changing program rules and agency procedures. Q. Identify staff training needs. R. Participate in the hiring of staff. S. Create training curriculum. T. Serve as MAXIS mentor for the financial assistance unit.
Additional Functions A. Attend training as needed. B. Perform miscellaneous duties when the supervisor is not available. C. Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.Minimum Qualifications - Training and Experience Required
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications A. High School diploma or equivalent GED; and B. Three (3) years of relevant experience; and C. Three (3) years of experience in Human Services financial assistance programs or related area; and D. Two (2) years’ experience in a leadership capacity role; and E. Maintain safety, data privacy, and data security training; and F. Strong skill set in multiple financial assistance programs including SNAP, Health Care, and others (Must be considered to have expert knowledge of financial assistance programs including SNAP, Health Care and at least one other core financial assistance program); or G. Equivalent combination of at least eight (8) years of education/training/experience. H. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive in the state of Minnesota. I. Must successfully complete a background check and driver's license verification. J. Obtain and maintain certifications and licensures. J. 1. Ability to obtain and maintain within six (6) months of hire: J. 1. 1. DHS SNAP training. J. 1. 2. DHS-specific training.
Preferred Qualifications A. Additional four (4) years' experience in Human Services financial assistance programs or a related area.Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Physical Demands and Working Conditions Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities A. Considerable knowledge and skill in clerical and accounting functions, Microsoft Office Suite, and computer database operation. B. Thorough knowledge of multiple complex computer systems that Eligibility Specialists and Senior Eligibility Specialists must access. C. Knowledge of the basic principles of foster care, child and adult protection criteria, and a general understanding of mental and physical illnesses. D. Ability to effectively explain financial assistance programs and procedures to recipients who are distraught. E. Ability to handle frequent procedural changes and clients' personal and financial situations. F. Ability to analyze problems and assist in establishing procedures for their resolution. G. Ability to provide consultation and direction to Financial Assistance unit staff. H. Ability to provide optimal customer service skills. I. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral forms. J. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and have strong positive public relations skills. K. Ability to provide department and client information. L. Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and policies governing financial assistance programs. M. Considerable knowledge of interviewing techniques and skill in conducting interviews. N. Considerable knowledge of other sources of financial support, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, veterans’ benefits, workers’ compensation, and disability insurance/pension programs. O. Considerable knowledge of agency operations, policies, and procedures. P. Complex computation and mathematical skills. Q. Ability to explain and interpret complex laws, rules, policies, and regulations. R. Ability to maintain frequent public contact, including with hostile or uncooperative individuals. S. Effective communication skills, both oral and written. T. Ability to handle confidential information and follow data practices requirements. U. Ability to set precedent within limits and administer operating rules and procedures under management guidance. V. Ability to apply procedures, policies, and/or precedents requiring considerable analytical ability and inductive thinking in adapting policies, procedures, and methods to fit unusual and complex situations. W. Ability to travel within your daily work assignment. X. Ability to travel within Minnesota, including extended overnight stays. Y. Ability to work extended, evening, and weekend hours as needed. Z. Performs the physical and mental demands of the work environment requirements for this position. AA. Must comply with organizational and departmental policies. BB. Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours, as necessary. CC. Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers. DD. Must comply with data practices policies and standards related to private data. Access to private data is limited strictly to what is necessary to perform assigned job duties. While accessing such data, the employee must take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without a work-related need. Once the work-related purpose has been met, private data must be properly secured and stored in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions A. Work is primarily performed in the office and the community. B. Work is performed in the office and in the community. Options for telework (when not required to be in the office or the community) may be permitted at the discretion of the Department Head. C. Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury. D. Work is light duty and sedentary with ability to lift, carry, or push up to 10 pounds. E. This position is exposed to mental effort and stress. F. This position frequently performs work under moderate attention to detail and deadlines.
Hours of Work A. Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Equipment Utilized A. Office equipment, computer hardware and software, county vehicles, personal vehicles, and phones.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship. The County Board, County Administrator, or appropriate Elected Official retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.Benefits Benton County offers an exceptional benefit package, including paid time off and holiday pay. Also included in this benefit package are health, comprehensive dental, vision, and life insurance; medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts (Section 125 Plan); deferred compensation plan, and Public Employees Retirement (pension) - (PERA).
BENTON COUNTY BENEFIT SUMMARY
This summary is intended for general information purposes and does not represent the legal description of our benefit package. The summary plan descriptions, Benton County personnel policies, or applicable labor contracts contain more complete information and will prevail in the event of a discrepancy.
TO VIEW BENTON COUNTY'S BENEFITS GUIDE FOR DETAILS ON BENEFITS, CLICK HERE.
COMPETITIVE AND EQUITABLE COMPENSATION:
It is the policy of Benton County that competitive and equitable compensation be provided to employees, consistent with the Local Government Pay Equity Act and federal standards. We strive to be a market-competitive employer with externally competitive compensation rates and internally equitable. To do so, Benton County has adopted an annual classification maintenance program that provides for the ongoing review of all job classifications on a three-year rotating cycle. The Human Resource Department has information regarding the county’s Compensation Plan, job classifications, and annual classification maintenance program.
PAID TIME OFF (PTO):
PTO is defined as authorized absence from duty with pay granted to employees in permanent employment positions. The amount of PTO earned is dependent upon hours worked and the employee’s length of service measured from his or her last date of continuous service with Benton County in accordance with the following schedule: YEARS
OF SERVICE
ANNUAL
ACCRUAL RATE
PER PAY PERIOD
ACCRUAL RATE
PTO
DAYS EARNED
0 through 2 years
168 HOURS
6.46 HOURS
21 PTO DAYS
3 through 6 years
192 HOURS
7.39 HOURS
24 PTO DAYS
7 through 10 years
216 HOURS
8.31 HOURS
27 PTO DAYS
11 through 15 years
240 HOURS
9.23 HOURS
30 PTO DAYS
16 through 20 years
264 HOURS
10.15 HOURS
33 PTO DAYS
21+ years
288 HOURS
11.08 HOURS
36 PTO DAYS
Employees in regular part-time positions, who normally work fourteen or more hours per week, shall earn PTO on a pro-rata basis.
HOLIDAYS:
Benton County observes the following 13 calendar holidays:
New Year's Day Martin Luther King Day President's Day Good Friday (4 hours) Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving Day The day after Thanksgiving Day Christmas Eve (4 hours) * Christmas Day **If Christmas Eve falls on a workday, County Offices (excluding the Sheriff’s Office) will close at noon.
*Except for the December 24th holiday, if the holiday falls on a Saturday, the previous Friday shall be designated as the official holiday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be designated as the official holiday.
HEALTH INSURANCE:
Regular full-time employees and their dependents are eligible for group health insurance coverage, administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Newly hired employees will be eligible for coverage effective on the first of the month immediately following their date of hire. Regular part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are also eligible for health insurance coverage.
VISION INSURANCE:
Regular full-time employees may elect to purchase supplemental vision insurance through VSP for themselves and their dependents. Newly hired employees who choose this option will be eligible for coverage effectively on the first day of the month immediately following their date of hire. Regular part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are also eligible for health insurance coverage.
HEALTH CARE SAVINGS PLAN:
Several classifications of employees participate in a post-employment pre-tax savings plan designed to help save for future medical expenses. For additional information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Human Resources at extension 5004.
DENTAL INSURANCE:
Guardian dental benefits are available to employees enrolled in the Benton County health insurance plan. The annual maximum is $1,200 per person. For more information or to locate an in-network dentist, please visit https://www.guardianlife.com/.
LIFE INSURANCE:
Regular full-time employees and elected officials shall be provided with a $15,000 employer-paid Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) term life insurance policy. (As of 1/1/2026, Age Reductions no longer apply.)
OPTIONAL LIFE INSURANCE:
Additional life insurance coverage is available at the employee's expense.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE:
Employees may elect to purchase supplemental insurance through AFLAC. Available policies include short-term disability, accident, cancer, dental, critical illness, life, and vision insurance.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY:
Regular full-time employees may elect to enroll in long-term disability insurance. Long-term disability benefits provide up to 60% of the employee's monthly income, beginning on the 91st day of total disability. Employees must elect a coverage amount at the time of enrollment. Benefits continue until the employee is able to return to work or reaches retirement age. The maximum benefits duration is determined by the Social Security normal retirement date.
RETIREMENT PROGRAM:
Retirement benefits are provided through the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA). For more information on PERA, visit www.mnpera.org.
PERA covers Minnesota local government public employees and non-teaching school staff. Membership is required once you meet the earnings threshold, and your earnings exceed $425 in a single month. Once you meet this threshold, your employer will enroll you in your membership group, and you will contribute a percentage of each paycheck to PERA.
As an employee of Benton County, you are enrolled in the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA). As noted, participation is mandated for all public employees and includes contributions from your employer.
YEARS EMPLOYEE EMPLOYER
PERA PLAN TO VESTED CONTRIBUTION CONTRIBUTION
PERA–Coordinated Plan 3 Years 6.50% 7.50% PERA–Correctional Plan 5-10 Years 6.83% 10.25% PERA–Police & Fire Plan 5-10 Years 11.8% 17.70% PERA–Defined Contribution Plan 5 Years 5.00% 5.00%
Once "vested" in PERA, you have secured a cash benefit for your retirement in this defined benefit retirement plan. Unlike most retirement plans today, PERA will provide secure retirement payments that are not dependent on the financial market. You can calculate your retirement payments at any time! Alternatively, you may choose to take a refund of your contributions if preferred once you are no longer active in the PERA plan.
PERA – VESTING:
PERA – Coordinated Plan – 3 years (36 service credits) PERA – Correctional Plan – 5 – 10 years (50% vested at 5 years; 100% vested at 10 years) PERA – Police & Fire Plan – 5 – 10 years (50% vested at 5 years; 100% vested at 10 years)
DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
Deferred Compensation plans are voluntary, long-term savings plans designed to help employees prepare for retirement. Employees may elect to defer a portion of their paycheck into a Deferred Compensation plan authorized under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. Both pre-tax and ROTH options are available.