New

Client Relations Specialist

Dakota County
$65,638.00 - $102,560.00 Annually
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United States, Minnesota, West St. Paul
May 01, 2026
General Description POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive DEPARTMENT: Employment and Economic Assistance HOURS: Full Time HIRING RANGE: $65,638 - $82,048/year FULL SALARY RANGE: $65,638 - $102,560/year (Grade 107) LOCATION: Northern Service Center and Western Service Center UNION: AFSCME CLOSE DATE: Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. What You Will Do Client Relations Specialists evaluate Dakota County residents' basic needs, health and well-being are met by assessing their social, economic, and health related issues. They promote self-sufficiency and identify appropriate services for clients by helping clients navigate multiple County, State and Local systems and processes to obtain needed services. Client Relations Specialists facilitate effective interdepartmental programs, processes, and communications and navigate systems to minimize barriers to program eligibility for clients working with multiple departments. The Client Relations Specialist serves as a liaison across departments, with providers and contracted agencies for people, systems, and processes and navigate multiple systems with clients to ensure eligibility requirements are met appropriately and in a timely fashion. 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 in 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. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree AND 2 years of qualifying experience OR Associate's degree AND 4 years of qualifying experience OR High school diploma or GED AND 6 years of qualifying experience AND A valid driver's license is required. What counts as qualifying experience? Work as a financial worker in Minnesota within the last five years. OR A mix of financial worker experience and experience in public sector, human services, education/training, or the financial industry. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge and experience using MAXIS and MEC2 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. Interview Dakota County residents to assess their needs, gather information, and determine which available resources can meet those needs. Requires Minnesota Public Assistance (SNAP, MFIP, EA, CCAP, etc.) experience: help clients with paperwork, complete intake and ongoing case maintenance for Public Assistance programs, explain the requirements and help Dakota County residents gather the necessary documentation. Determine client needs, level of service, and eligibility for program and community resources in collaboration with other team members. Assist clients with applying and maintaining benefits, provide education and support to clients regarding program services and benefits. Determine which barriers exist and examine ways to mitigate the impact and provide best available services. Determine clients' economic, social, and health-related issues. Provide services by assessing and determining financial assistance program eligibility. Coordinate services by collaborating with interdepartmental staff and external service providers. Reassess clients' needs and eligibility criteria to determine continued program eligibility. Provide client advocacy services within Dakota County and external agencies. Represent the County as an SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access & Recovery (SOAR) advocate assisting residents with applying for Social Security benefits (training provided). Represent the agency in internal and external workgroups and advisory committees, document and prepare presentations. 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. Provide training on programs, work methods, and procedures to other staff. Assists management in the evaluation of effectiveness of interdepartmental programs and processes; makes recommendations to develop or revise procedures for the consideration of management. Transport clients to / from appointments, may accompany clients to treatment or required meetings, maintain associated records. May travel to client's home to meet, deliver resources or to obtain a signature on require paperwork. Perform other duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1 - 10 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment Demonstrate 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. Extensive knowledge of economic assistance, social service and public health and public assistance programs and resources. Knowledge of mental and physical illness, developmental disabilities, adult, and child protection criteria. Considerable ability to work effectively with the public, multiple departments and County associates in a professional manner. Possess strong customer service skills to effectively communicate with both internal and external customers both orally and in writing. Ability to work under stress and use discretion in making decision. Ability to organize work efficiently and effectively. Ability to communicate effectively both orally, virtually, and in writing. Ability to work independently and as a team member. Working knowledge of computer software and information systems such as MAXIS, MEC2, MMIS, and METS. Currently or within last 9 months, have Minnesota State access to MAXIS. Ability to prioritize work within the agency according to client and agency needs. Ability to conduct research, analyze, and coordinate work. Knowledge of community resources. Must possess a high level of analytical skills. Work Environment Work is primarily sedentary; it is usually accomplished while incumbent is comfortably seated at a desk or table. There is some walking and travel to sites in the community and client's homes for meetings and conferences away from the regular place of work. Items carried typically include light objects such as briefcases, laptops, notebooks, work papers, and reports. Lifting of moderately heavy objects generally is not required. Location & Schedule Staff in this classification will start by working full-time in the office for training purposes. Once there is demonstrated knowledge, skills, and ability to complete assigned work, it may lead to a hybrid schedule. In-person work is at our Northern Service Center in West St. Paul and Western Service Center in Apple Valley, telework needs to be completed in a designated off-site location. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). 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 checks 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