Public Welfare Financial Worker Program
Complete program description 
Industry Description
Students can earn a one-year diploma or a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. Core courses at both degree levels include extensive public assistance policy instruction on Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Diversionary Work Program (DWP), Food Support (FS), General Assistance/Minnesota Supplemental Aid (GA/MSA), child care assistance and health care, including MinnesotaCare, as well as the MAXIS and MMIS computer systems. Program classrooms will remain at Pine Technical College in Pine City, but students in Anoka will have access through interactive television technology. Additional course work provides students with communication and human relations skills. Upon conclusion of the classroom preparation, all students are required to complete an internship in a county agency. Since it was launched in 1994, the program has been approved by Department of Human Services and the National Eligibility Workers Association, and meets the requirements of the Minnesota Merit System, which establishes hiring and testing procedures for most Minnesota counties. Nearly 75 percent of program graduates land jobs as county financial workers, according to Pine Technical College reports. Three program graduates are now working at the State Department of Human Services, and say the program was valuable. County human service agencies in all Minnesota counties employ more than 2,000 financial workers. While trained financial workers are needed throughout the state, most of the job openings are in the Twin Cities. The expansion of the program to Anoka Technical College will alleviate the shortage of trained workers. More information about the program can be found at www.pinetech.edu or by calling (320) 629-5171.
Wages/Outlook/Advancement
Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
ACCUPLACER Test Requirement: ACCUPLACER testing in math, reading and writing. Any needed developmental courses must be completed before receiving a diploma or an A.A.S award.
Length of Program
Associate of Applied Science 62 credits
Diploma 42 credits
Start Dates
Fall Semester August
Spring Semester January
Program Contact
Rita Watson, Faculty from Pine Technical College
Phone (320) 629-5171
Pine Tech e-mail watsonr@pinetech.edu
For information on how to apply or to schedule a campus tour, contact the Admissions Office, at Phone (763) 576-4700 or by E-mail info@anokatech.edu
The requirements of this program are subject to change without notice.
