Eligibility Worker - Fraud Investigations

Salary : $60,090.00 - $84,059.00 Annually

Location : Willmar, MN

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 202600011

Department: Health and Human Services

Division: Financial Assistance Division

Opening Date: 03/20/2026

Closing Date: 4/5/2026 4:30 PM Central

Description

The Eligibility Worker - Fraud Investigations is responsible for investigating allegations of fraud related to public assistance programs and supporting program integrity efforts for Kandiyohi County. This position conducts fraud prevention activities, investigates potential fraud cases, collaborates with internal staff, government agencies, and law enforcement partners, and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulations. Responsibilities include conducting investigations, preparing reports, coordinating legal actions, supporting eligibility determinations, and assisting with fraud recovery and disqualification processes.

Job Duties

Review and investigate public assistance cases flagged for potential fraud, including referrals from agency staff, law enforcement, and other sources, in accordance with established fraud prevention procedures.

Plan and conduct fraud prevention investigations, including gathering evidence, conducting interviews, performing surveillance and fieldwork, and reviewing financial records and supporting documentation.

Prepare detailed investigative reports and submit findings to Eligibility Workers to assist in eligibility determinations and program compliance decisions.

Coordinate with the County Attorney's Office, law enforcement agencies, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Integrity Section to pursue administrative or criminal actions when appropriate.

Provide testimony and attend court hearings as required.

Conduct random file reviews of public assistance cases to identify discrepancies, errors, or potential fraudulent activity.

Coordinate with internal and external partners, including long-term care facilities, schools, landlords, social services agencies, and law enforcement, to gather and verify case information.

Work with contracted fraud investigators to support criminal fraud investigations and prosecution efforts.

Maintain collaborative relationships and resource networks to support efficient fraud prevention and information gathering.

Review completed investigations to determine whether cases meet criteria for an Intentional Program Violation (IPV).

Work with the County Attorney to determine whether cases should proceed through Administrative Disqualification Hearings (ADH) or criminal prosecution.

Prepare investigative documentation and evidence for administrative hearings and legal proceedings.

Maintain accurate case files and ensure compliance with fraud prevention, recovery, disqualification, and reporting requirements.

Prepare and submit statistical and administrative reports to the DHS Integrity Unit and agency supervisor.

Provide fraud prevention training and education to agency staff to promote program integrity and fraud awareness.

Stay informed of updates to public assistance programs, fraud prevention policies, and investigative practices.

Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

Qualifications

High school diploma or G.E.D. required and one of the following:

Bachelor's degree; OR

Associate's degree and four (4) years of financial assistance program experience (e.g., Case Aide or Eligibility Worker); OR

Eight (8) years of financial assistance program experience (e.g., Case Aide or Eligibility Worker);

or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to public assistance programs and fraud prevention.

Experience conducting investigations, interviews, evidence gathering, and report preparation.

Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, rules, and regulations to eligibility determinations and fraud prevention activities.

Knowledge of case management systems, including MAXIS, EBT Edge, and related software applications.

Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage a high caseload effectively.

Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Supplemental Information

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and public assistance program requirements.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Knowledge of fraud investigation principles, interviewing techniques, and evidence documentation practices.

Ability to analyze financial and eligibility information and identify discrepancies.

Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and detailed investigative reports.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.

Proficiency using computers and case management systems related to eligibility and investigations.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Strong interpersonal skills to interact professionally with coworkers, supervisors, clients, law enforcement, attorneys, partner agencies, and the public.

Work Environment

Work is primarily conducted in an office setting, though there may be occasional visits to community locations to assist clients or coordinate with external agencies. Duties may include phone, email, or in-person interactions with clients, as well as processing and reviewing documents.

Requires occasional travel to meet with clients or external partners, with exposure to various community environments.

Regular working hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with flexibility required based on program needs or client demands.

Ability to work at a desk for extended periods, input data into computer systems, and handle administrative tasks efficiently.

May require the ability to lift and carry files or office supplies (up to 25 lbs) and perform occasional tasks requiring mobility.

Additional Information

Must pass a background check.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Kandiyohi County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Kandiyohi County offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health, dental, vision, PERA retirement, 457(b) deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick/ESST leave.

Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.

01

Do you meet the minimum education and experience requirement for this position (high school diploma or GED plus either a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree with 4 years of financial assistance experience, 8 years of financial assistance experience, or equivalent combination)?

Yes

No

02

How much experience do you have conducting investigations, including gathering evidence, interviewing clients, reviewing financial records, or preparing reports?

5+ years experience

3-5 years experience

1-3 years experience

Under 1 year experience

No experience

03

Do you have experience working with public assistance programs, eligibility determinations, or fraud prevention activities?

5+ years experience

3-5 years experience

1-3 years experience

Under 1 year experience

No experience

04

Please indicate your level of proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) or similar office software.

Advanced - regularly use multiple programs and complex functions

Intermediate - daily use for work tasks

Basic - limited workplace use

Minimal experience

05

If you answered "Yes" to being a Veteran, please indicate whether you would like to claim Veteran's Preference Points:

Yes - I am a qualified veteran who served during a qualifying wartime period.

Yes - I am a disabled veteran with a 10% or higher disability rating.

Yes - I am the spouse of a deceased veteran or the spouse of a disabled veteran who is unable to work due to their disability.

No - I do not wish to claim Veteran's Preference Points.

06

If you selected "Yes" to the question above, please upload a copy of your DD214 as an attachment to this application. By initialing below, you confirm that you have uploaded this document.

Required Question