Public Welfare Financial Worker

Program Overview

The Public Welfare Financial Worker (PWFW) program can be summarzied in the following ways:

-- The program trains people who have an interest in helping families in times of financial need;
-- Public Welfare Financial Workers are often the first in the line of defense against poverty;
-- A public welfare financial worker has extensive contact with clients and must develop strong interpersonal skills;
-- The PWFW program prepares students through coursework in Public Assistance policy, the Maxis computer system, communication skills, and how to determine eligibility for many federal and state services;
-- The PWFW program is approved by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and by the National Eligibility Workers Association.

Program Plan

Diploma (41 credits)

ENGL 1276 College Composition (4) or ENGL 1277 Technical Communications (4)
SPCH 1270 Introduction to Speech (3) or PHIL 1271 Critical Thinking in Modern Society (3)
SOCI 1225 Human Diversity (3)
HUMS 1230 Managing Family Cases (4)
HUMS 1231 HC Policy for Families (4)
HUMS 1233 Work Support Programs (3)
HUMS 1241 HC Policy for Adults (4)
HUMS 1242 Managing Cash Cases (4)
HUMS 1290 Financial Worker Internship (6)
ACCP 1231 Business Math (3)
COCP 1201 Microsoft Office Basics (2)
PTCG 1225 Job Seeking (1)

A.A.S. Degree (21 additional credits)

SPCH 1270 Introduction to Speech (3) or PHIL 1271 Critical Thinking in Modern Society (3)
General Education Electives, Minnesota Transfer Curriculum - any goal area (18)

Course Outlines

For more specific information about this program's required courses, visit the Course Outlines page.

Cost of Program

To determine the cost of this program, visit the Tuition and Fees page.

Career and Employment Information

While the number of families receiving cash assistance has dropped dramatically since welfare reform began in the mid 1990s, there has not been a decrease in the number of workers. Welfare reform requires frequent interaction with the clients and increased documentation, thus the number of cases a worker manages is reduced. Government benefits interviewers deal with many other programs that were not affected by welfare reform. There is a continued need for these workers, with most openings being a result of promotion or retirement. Regarding earnings, according to the Occupational Employment Statistics program, Government Benefits Interviewers make an average of $19.86 per hour in Minnesota.

Other Notes

-- A laptop computer is required for the PWFW program.
-- This program also is available at Anoka Technical College and St. Cloud Technical and Community College.
-- For more information, you also may view the PWFW website.