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Posted: January 12, 2026 (3 days ago)

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Berrien County Assistance Payments Worker 8-11

State of Michigan

Health and Human Services - Counties

Fresh

Location

Michigan, 48909

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Salary

$23.33 - $33.97

per hour

Type

Full Time

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Closes

Not specifiedMore State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves helping families and individuals in Berrien County apply for and receive public assistance benefits, assessing their needs, providing information on available support, and guiding them toward self-sufficiency.

It's a role in social services where you'll connect people with resources and ensure they get the right level of aid.

A good fit would be someone with experience in customer service or social work who is empathetic, organized, and enjoys problem-solving to support vulnerable communities.

Key Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent (higher education preferred for senior levels)
  • Experience in social services, case management, or public assistance programs
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for assessing needs and making referrals
  • Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and comply with state policies
  • Proficiency in using computer systems for eligibility determination and documentation
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for field work if needed
  • Commitment to promoting family self-sufficiency and MDHHS goals

Full Job Description

The physical location of this position is Berrien County MDHHS, 401 8th Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Based on operational needs and within established limits, remote work and alternate or hybrid work schedule requests for this position may be considered.

Selected candidates who have been approved to work remotely or a hybrid schedule must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview.

The role of the Eligibility Specialist is to strengthen Michigan families by:

  • Ensuring that each person/family that applies for public assistance receives the type and level of assistance that they are eligible for
  • Assessing the needs of each person/family and giving them appropriate information and making any referrals and/or contacts to persons/agencies to help them meet their needs.
  • Providing all families with information about the expectations and goals of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
  • Encouraging and guiding families in their efforts to become self supporting.

Visual Description: An infographic in mint green with black text displaying the MDHHS logo in the upper left which provides important application information for applicants applying to this MDHHS job posting. Informational Text: The image is categorized into two main areas highlighting the required documents and important information. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Official Transcripts must have the following: • University Seal/Watermark • Signed by the Registrar • Electronic upload is accepted A resume is required A cover letter is required Written essay (one page or less) explaining how your prior work experience has prepared you for this position: • This document should be attached to your application separate from your resume and cover letter. Failure to complete and attach any of the above items may result in your application being screened out. IMPORTANT INFORMATION • The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process, including but not limited to, responses to the application questions, and responses to interview questions or exercises. • This posting is being used to recruit for both permanent and limited term appointments. A limited term assignment has the potential of becoming permanent, but this is not guaranteed. • Applications are valid for 6 months. After 6 months, you MUST reapply for continued consideration. • The department reserves the right to close this posting at any time if it is determined that a sufficient number of applications have been received.



Requirements

Visual Description: An infographic in mint green with black text displaying the MDHHS logo in the upper left which provides the minimum education and experience for applicants applying to this MDHHS job posting. Informational Text: The image is categorized into two main areas highlighting the minimum education and minimum experience. MINIMUM EDUCATION Completion of two years of college (60 semester or 90 term credits) MINIMUM EXPERIENCE Assistance Payments Worker 8 No specific type or amount is required. Assistance Payments Worker 9 One year of experience equivalent to an Assistance Payments Worker 8, Migrant Program Worker 8, or Family Independence Specialist 9. Assistance Payments Worker E10 Two years of experience equivalent to an Assistance Payments Worker, including one year equivalent to an Assistance Payments Worker 9; or, Two years equivalent to a Migrant Program Worker, including one year equivalent to a Migrant Program Worker 9; or, Two years of experience equivalent to a Family Independence Specialist, including one year equivalent to a Family Independence Specialist 10. Assistance Payments Worker 11 Three years of experience equivalent to an Assistance Payments Worker, including one year equivalent to an Assistance Payments Worker E10; Three years equivalent to a Migrant Program Worker, including one year equivalent to a Migrant Program Worker E10; or Three years of experience equivalent to a Family Independence Specialist, including one year equivalent to a Family Independence Specialist P11.

Qualifications


Visual Description: An infographic in mint green with black text displaying the MDHHS logo in the upper left which provides the minimum education and experience for applicants applying to this MDHHS job posting. Informational Text: The image lists Alternate Education and Experience Assistance Payments Worker 8 - 11 Four years of administrative support experience in a human services or office setting, including two years equivalent to the experienced (E7) level, may be substituted for the education requirement. OR Completion of one year of college (30 semester or 45 term credits) and three years of administrative support experience in a human services or office setting, including one year equivalent to the experienced (E7) level, may be substituted for the education requirement. OR Three years of Home Aide experience, including one year equivalent to a Home Aide E8, may be substituted for the education requirement.

Additional Information

The MDHHS mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self-sufficient. We are committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all employees are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. For more information, please visit our MDHHS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan.




MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer.
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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/12/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/5/2025

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-michigan-4789118