Program Trainer/Specialist

Department: Employment and Economic Assistance | Location: West St. Paul, Northern Service Center | Union: AFSCME 306 | Close Date: September 15, 2026, 4:30 p.m.

About the role

Program Trainer Specialists (PTSs) provide leadership in training and mentoring staff and supporting team members in daily unit operations. PTSs develop and present Public Assistance program, policy, and procedure trainings to staff and evaluate performance by completing case reviews and identifying opportunities to improve casework management and overall operations. This posting recruits for one specific PTS position in Public Assistance: Family Cash Lead Worker. The ideal candidate excels at collaboration, is ready to influence policy and procedural changes, and has experience in cash processing, childcare assistance, SNAP, and emergency assistance programs. You will work alongside lead workers and trainers, providing mentorship to staff as they master individual case management.

Responsibilities

• Train existing employees using both in-person and remote classroom training and hands‑on models.
• 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.
• 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.
• Resolve discrepancies in case records including errors, and problems resulting from miscommunication, changes in policies, or implementation of new procedures.
• Plan, design, and implement new programs, legal mandates, and agency initiatives.
• Coach staff on difficult case situations or actions.
• Provide both on‑the‑job and topical training for experienced financial workers on procedures and program guidelines.
• Manage complex and sensitive cases including preparing cases for appeals, attending appeal hearings, and documenting 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.
• Process overpayments and correct program errors.
• Provide back‑up caseload coverage for absent workers or vacant positions within unit to ensure workload is adequately managed.
• Direct work unit activities in the supervisor's absence.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of the current requirements of multiple public assistance programs through meetings, training sessions (including developing and maintaining cultural and diversity awareness), and review of appropriate public assistance literature.
• Prepare special reports as necessary.
• Respond to public inquiries about public assistance programs and eligibility criteria.
• Submit policy questions to DHS.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree AND 1 year of experience with a Public Assistance agency
• OR Associate's degree AND 3 years of experience with a Public Assistance agency
• OR High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) AND 5 years of experience with a Public Assistance agency
• One year of experience with a Minnesota Public Assistance agency within the past five years.
• Jobs may include financial worker or eligibility specialist determining eligibility for programs such as medical assistance, SNAP, cash, childcare, or emergency programs.

Skills

• Experience working with customers or clients in a public sector, human services, education/training, or financial industry.
• Experience training or mentoring others.
• Experience facilitating and/or developing training in group or individual settings.
• Experience conducting detailed case reviews to ensure compliance with policy and procedures.
• Experience assisting in standardizing case review practices and/or identifying training needs and gaps.
• Demonstrates 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.
• Considerable ability to work effectively with the public, department, and County associates in a professional manner.
• Assist staff with identification of client's complex life situations and social service needs; helps identify appropriate resources for referral of clients to other social service agencies; and assists when needed in diffusing volatile situations with clients.
• Knowledge of community resources and many other programs including employment services.
• Determine clients' economic, social, and health‑related issues; provide services by assessing and determining financial assistance program eligibility.
• Working knowledge of computer software and information systems.
• Knowledge of various training techniques and styles.
• High level of analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as