JOB
The Eligibility Specialist classifications determine the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs through interactive interviewing and fact gathering; maintain current knowledge of program regulations and procedures necessary for multi-program caseload administration; initiate and process casework through automated systems; identify needs and make appropriate referrals for health, social and/or employment services; and perform related work as required.The Eligibility Specialist Trainee is the classroom and on-the-job trainee level in the Eligibility Specialist series where emphasis is on learning the basic regulatory and statutory requirements of multiple public assistance programs. Incumbents may receive classroom instruction and/or on-the-job training prior to being assigned casework or tasks. Once incumbents are placed in a unit, they will continue to participate in on-the-job training and may be assigned a variety of duties, including some casework/tasks which will assist them in learning to determine initial and continuing eligibility for one or more public assistance programs. Incumbents work under close supervision to complete initial case functions as they continue to learn procedures and complex regulations and acquire the ability to apply the regulations during the training period. Trainees are given the opportunity to perform increasing levels of eligibility determination to prepare them for the entry-level Eligibility Specialist I classification. Incumbents are expected to progress to the entry-level Eligibility Specialist I upon satisfactory completion of one year as a trainee. Use of the Eligibility Specialist Trainee classification is optional, at the discretion of each County.SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVEDIncumbents in the Eligibility Specialist Trainee classification typically receive supervision from an Eligibility Supervisor and may receive lead direction from an Eligibility Specialist III.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: (Duties are performed at the trainee level, where the incumbent is learning to perform the duties and progress as more experience is gained)Performs interactive interviews to elicit eligibility information, obtain and/or verify financial, employment, tax and personal demographic information and determine eligibility for public assistance programs and servicesAnalyzes financial and eligibility information to determine initial or continuing eligibility for multiple aid programsExplains regulations, rules and policies to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for participation in various public assistance programs and servicesEnsures accuracy and completion of application and declaration formsResolves discrepancies by securing documentation, medical records and confirmation from other agenciesEnters and retrieves numerical and narrative data and issues benefits from an automated computer systemDetermines the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex computations and/or computer entries and then analyzing the resultsReviews and interprets information provided on a variety of forms both by the client and third parties to assist with eligibility determinationEvaluates clients for and answers questions on Advanced Payment Tax Credits (APTC) related to health care reformExplains a variety of plan options, costs and individual plan features through Covered CaliforniaMonitors on-going eligibility by obtaining periodic updated information of eligibility factors and takes appropriate actions on changesDetermines need for additional services and makes referrals as needed for employment and other services to outside agencies to assist clients toward self-sufficiency and directs clients accordinglyOrganizes and prioritizes caseload so that necessary case records and documents are processed and updated within specific time limits established by regulation and local policyEnters and maintains case records, including written narratives, forms and computer documents in a clear and readable formatTroubleshoots task and/or case issues to determine appropriate resolution of problems, involving Help Desk as neededCommunicates both orally and in writing with clients and others related to the initial and ongoing eligibility determination while maintaining confidentialityResponds to questions and complaints of clients in person, by telephone, mail and/or email communication Provides pertinent forms and pamphlets to clients as requiredIdentifies suspected fraud and makes referrals for investigationMakes referrals to social service workers as neededParticipates in special projects, studies, work assignments and committeesPrepares correspondence and reportsPerforms related duties as assigned EMPLOYMENT STANDARDSNote: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as a trainee.Knowledge of: General goals and purpose of public social services programsLaws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing eligibility for diverse public assistance programs and related case administrative techniquesMethods and techniques of conducting an investigative interview and information gatheringComputer terminology and computer keyboard arrangementModern office practices, methods and proceduresRecord keeping practices and proceduresPrinciples of mathematical calculationsIntricacies of health insurance plans, medical health plan options and associated terminologyRegulations and rules regarding household filing status related to the Affordable Care ActCultural and human behavior, including knowledge of self, to interact effectively with clients and staffPrinciples and practices of effective customer serviceStructure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammarModern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project and task coordinationComputers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information and/or prepare documentationAbility to: Apply the policies, procedures and programs of the County Social Services DepartmentApply the laws, rules and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple public assistance programs and the case administration of these programsIdentify available resources and communicate with others to obtain and verify information concerning eligibilityUse fact finding techniques and perform in-depth and interactive interviewingDetermine appropriate course of action in emergency situationsMake referrals to appropriate agencies and social service programsDetect and evaluate potential fraudulent situationsAnalyze and interpret written, numerical and verbal data from various sourcesUtilize multiple electronic information social services systems and analyze and interpret such informationEnter and maintain data accurately and timely into a computerized systemNavigate through computer screens and effectively use computer systems, software applications and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasksIdentify when computer output is incorrect and make correctionsProcess cases manually as requiredPlan and organize caseload to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timelinessFunction effectively in a system with strict deadlines and constant changesRead, understand, apply and explain complicated and detailed correspondence, reports, regulations and policy directivesPerform a variety of mathematical computations accurately and rapidlyPrepare clear, concise and accurate records and reportsExplain complex rules and programs so they can be understood by people of diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgroundsGather, record and correctly evaluate tax filing data, income and additional necessary information required for the determination of eligibility for one or more programsExplain health insurance plan options and plan details available to clients through the Affordable Care ActReview a variety of tax documents to obtain needed household filing informationExplain health care reform tax credit implications to clientsRefer clients to other community services as neededAssess and manage difficult and hostile persons or situations; or call for intervention when appropriateInteract with people, in a courteous manner in person, on the telephone, by mail or emailWork in a fast-paced, professional office environment and prioritize a wide range of duties with varying time requirements to ensure timely completionCommunicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntaxEstablish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staffFollow written and oral directions and instructions
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
EXAMINATION INFORMATIONTRAINING & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION – WEIGHTED 100% The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate’s knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination. Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin. ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATIONA departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Tehama. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.RETEST PERIODOnce you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date.SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTSSpecial testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at mssprogram@calhr.ca.gov or 916-909-3701 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.APPLICATION DOCUMENTSIf you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.GENERAL INFORMATIONMSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified. If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination. Your performance in this examination will be rated against predetermined rating criteria. All competitors who pass will be added to the eligible list. Meeting the entry requirements does not assure success in the examination or placement on the eligible list. General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. As part of the hiring process, a background investigation may be required.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYThe Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.BENEFITS This position offers the following benefits: Represented by the Joint Council bargaining unit.96 hours of vacation per year, increasing upon continuous years of service.96 hours of sick leave per year.13 paid holidays plus one 8-hour personal holiday.CalPERS retirement plan, 8% employee contribution.The County pays approximately 80% of premium for medical, dental, and vision plan (including a $30,000 life insurance plan for employee). For the employee and entire family, the current employee's share of the insurance plan is $225.42 per month.Annual salary step increase based upon satisfactory performance and completion of 2,080 hours (Steps A to E).Deferred compensation plan with the County matching the employee's deposit, up to $60 per month.Supplemental insurance plans are available.Employee Assistance Program is provided to all employees at no cost by the County. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONADA/EEO/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACEAs a condition of employment Tehama County Social Services will require: A valid driver's license will be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.Proof of ability to work in the United StatesPre-employment drug testing and physicalGovernment agencies accessing US government information, which include federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent to the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information. A background check may be required if the position requires access to these types of records. Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification and local law enforcement checks. State agencies must conduct investigation during time of hire and ensure a reinvestigation is conducted 10 years from the date of the previous background investigation for each employee that has access to federal tax information.ABOUT TEHAMA COUNTYBeautiful Tehama County is in the heart of northern California, midway between Sacramento and the Oregon border. Based on the shores of the Sacramento River and in the shadows of Mount Lassen, Tehama County boasts some of the lowest housing costs in California along with short commute times to work. The County is home to a myriad of recreational activities.