POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Employment and Economic Assistance
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED SALARY RANGE: $58,494.00 - $65,806.00/annually (Salary Grade 107)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $58,494.00 - $91,398.00/annually
LOCATION: West St. Paul, Northern Service Center
UNION: AFSCME 306
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 2/17/2023

Program Trainer/Specialists provide administrative support to management; develop training plans and train employees; formulate and define program policies and procedures; provide coverage for program staff and program supervisors; complete special projects and perform other related duties as assigned.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

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 work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

• Bachelor's degree AND
• 2 years of experience as a financial worker* OR
• 1 years of experience as a financial worker* AND minimum of 1 year experience in public sector, human services, education/training, or financial industry.

• Associate's degree or completion of 90 quarter credits for an accredited higher education institution AND
• 4 years of experience as a financial worker*, OR
• 3 years of experience as a financial worker* AND minimum of 1 year experience in public sector, human services, education/training, or financial industry

• High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND
• 6 years of experience as a financial worker*, OR
• 5 years of experience as a financial worker* AND minimum of 1 year experience in public sector, human services, education/training, or financial industry.

• You must have at least one year of Financial Worker experience in Minnesota within the past five years.

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.

1. Demonstrates a commitment to increase cultural diversity County wide and actively supports the County's diversity initiatives and works to address the needs of diverse and underserved communities
2. Train existing employees using both in-person and remote classroom training and hands on models.
3. Assist in supervising a public assistance unit by: assigning work and providing training and advice to other financial workers on procedures, policies and programs; evaluating probationary employee performance and providing input on performance appraisals; acting as a central resource person for internal and external customers and resolving problems concerning eligibility, benefit amounts or access to community resources; or performing other duties as assigned.
4. Quality assurance: Review work of Financial Assistance Specialist staff to ensure conformity to regulations and procedures including case reviews, audits, and ongoing training based on findings from case reviews and audits.
5. Resolve discrepancies in case records including errors, and problems resulting from miscommunication, changes in policies, or implementation of new procedures.
6. Plan, design, and implement new programs, legal mandates, and agency initiatives.
7. Coach staff on difficult case situations or actions.
8. Provide both on-the-job and topical training for experienced financial workers on procedures and program guidelines.
9. Manage complex and sensitive cases including prepare cases for appeals, attend appeal hearings, and document the actions taken by the agency regarding public assistance eligibility. May work with the County Attorney's office to investigate cases referred for disqualification, gather evidence and identify witnesses, childcare disqualification cases, and client complaint calls/resolution.
10. Process overpayments and correct program errors.
11. Provide back-up caseload coverage for absent workers or vacant positions within unit to ensure workload is adequately managed.
12. Direct work unit activities in the supervisor's absence.
13. Maintain detailed knowledge of the current requirements of multiple public assistance programs through meetings, training sessions to include developing and maintaining cultural and diversity awareness, and the review of appropriate public assistance literature.
14. Prepare special reports as necessary.
15. Respond to public inquiries about public assistance programs and eligibility criteria.
16. Submit policy questions to DHS
17. Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1- 15 are essential functions

• 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
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

• 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 background and reference checks before hiring