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 I is the entry-level classification in the Eligibility Specialist series. Incumbents may have prior experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment or veterans benefits, or publicly or privately funded health, counseling or social services programs; have completed initial classroom training provided as part of the Eligibility Specialist Trainee training program; or may have the required level of education. Incumbents will be placed in a work team and initially may receive classroom instruction prior to being assigned casework and/or tasks. Incumbents will work under close supervision while learning to independently determine public assistance eligibility, and apply knowledge and skills learned from their training in completing eligibility tasks and applying complex regulations. As incumbents gain experience and work toward the journey level in the series, they are expected to work with more independence and have the ability to complete more complex tasks and/or handle larger client caseloads. Incumbents are expected to progress to the journey-level Eligibility Specialist II upon completion of one year of satisfactory performance in the entry-level Eligibility Specialist I classification.The Eligibility Specialist II is the journey-level classification in the Eligibility Specialist series. Incumbents demonstrate working knowledge of eligibility regulations, procedures and eligibility software systems. Eligibility Specialist II incumbents handle more complex tasks and/or caseloads independently with consultation as needed by Eligibility Specialist IIIs or Eligibility Supervisors. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level or if filled from the outside, require prior experience as an Eligibility Specialist, Eligibility Worker or comparable position.The class of Eligibility Specialist II is distinguished from the Eligibility Specialist I as the latter requires a higher level of consultation and supervision and is working toward achieving a working knowledge of program rules and regulations. The Eligibility Specialist II class is distinguished from the Eligibility Specialist III in that the latter class is assigned lead specialist duties or special assignments with a greater degree of independent judgment. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVEDIncumbents in the Eligibility Specialist I and II classifications 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: (For Eligibility Specialist I, duties are performed at the entry level.)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 assignedEMPLOYMENT STANDARDSNote: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as distinguished between the two levels in the Definition section.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 theAffordable 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
** At the discretion of Humboldt County Health and Human Services and with the approval of Merit System Services, qualified candidates certified to the eligible list established by this exam may be appointed to the Eligibility Specialist I, or Eligibility Specialist II level if the appointee meets the minimum requirements.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. If conditions warrant, an Experience and Education examination may be conducted in lieu of the Training and Experience examination. Please review the Experience and Education examination information below: EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION – WEIGHTED 100%The Education & Experience examination is based solely upon information provided from the application and supplemental information (e.g., resumes, transcripts). Information provided from the application and supplemental information will be assessed compared to a standard developed in relation to the elements of the. Special care should be taken to submitting a complete description of your education and experience relevant to the typical tasks, scope, and minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin. Supplemental information will be accepted, but competitors should read this bulletin carefully to determine what kind of information will be useful to those individuals completing the evaluation. 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 Humboldt. 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. EDUCATION 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 INFORMATIONThis position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.MSS 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. DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTSome positions in this classification may require possession of a California driver license.Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County. Eligibility for employment for those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on case-by-case basis by the appointing authority. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Background check: Prior to hire, candidates must pass a background check, including a criminal records check.Government 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.PERS Retirement Tier 1: 2.7%@55 prior to 7/5/12Tier 2: 2.0%@55 post 7/6/12 Tier 3: 2.0%@62 post 1/1/13 ABOUT HUMBOLDT COUNTYHumboldt County is considered by many to be the most beautiful county in California. It is located 270 miles north of San Francisco, and is an area that has densely forested, mountainous areas, as well as over 100 miles of Pacific coastline, including Humboldt Bay, California's second largest natural bay. Humboldt County is substantially rural, with its greatest population in Eureka, where the College of the Redwoods' main campus is located, and Arcata, home to Cal Poly Humboldt State University. It's a charming and comfortable area, known for its hundreds of structural examples of Victorian architecture and great bike culture. The county produces 20% of the total volume and 30% of the total value of all forest products produced in California. Residents and visitors enjoy the many great performances and cultural events scheduled at Cal Poly Humboldt University, as well as great restaurants, farmers markets, museums, state parks, and nature and wildlife areas. Also popular is the Ale and Spirits Trail, Redwood Coast Music Festival, and the Summer Arts and Music Fest.