Eligibility and Employment Specialist I/II

Summary

This recruitment is for Level I and Level II.

The salary rage for level I is $1519.20 -$2036.00 biweekly ($18.99 -$25.45 per hour).

The salary range for level II is $1,596.80 - $2,139.20 biweekly ($19.96 - $26.74 per hour).

New employees generally start at the beginning of the salary range. The salary range has 7 steps with employees typically starting at step 1 and moving to step 2 upon the completion of a successful one year probationary period. Each year thereafter, upon completion of successful performance, employees move to subsequent next step. Each step represents a 5% increase.

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

Essential Job Functions

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Interviews clients with complex barriers to employment and self-sufficiency to determine client eligibility for public assistance programs and services; may manage employment and social services plans for clients.
• Reviews and analyzes client data and documentation to determine initial and continuing eligibility and confirms provision of appropriate services under local, state, and federal criteria; screens information for accuracy; requests required documents; verifies and validates data and documentation; investigates claims and documents actions.
• Assists clients in accessing community services; refers clients to supportive services; counsels clients, may initiate and monitor job search activities, and assists in the identification and removal of barriers to self-sufficiency and employment.
• Conducts outreach in the community to increase awareness of public assistance programs.
• Explains social services rules and regulations to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for public assistance programs and services; assists parties in the completion of forms; searches files and other documents for required and relevant information.
• Performs case management functions; organizes files; prepares and mails correspondence; reviews case information and status; updates the database and ensures accuracy and completion of the application, declaration forms, and computer input; generates and processes a variety of legal documents and other related materials; compiles and analyzes statistics; works as part of an integrated case management team.
• Organizes caseload ensuring case records and documents are processed and updated within specific time limits established by regulation and local policy.
• Completes registration/contractual process for enrollment into appropriate eligibility services; assesses client compliance to rules and regulations and applies sanctions as required or directed.
• Resolves discrepancies by securing documentation, records, and confirmation from other entities; evaluates potential for fraudulent situations and reports to supervisor as required.
• Approves and provides supportive services and ancillary payments.
• Inputs client application information and client statements into statewide automated data system; reads and interprets computer-generated reports.
• Adheres to the standards of the Privacy Act of 1974, {U.S.C. § 552A} as amended; maintains and enforces all aspects of confidentiality of client information.
• Supports the relationship between Butte County and the constituent population by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and other employees.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

Knowledge of:

• Basic social service needs of individuals and families; and methods and techniques to assist and support clients in working toward self-sufficiency and mutually agreed upon goals.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, and ordinances relevant to assigned areas of responsibility including those governing eligibility and determination for diverse public assistance programs.
• Methods, practices, and procedures of case management.
• Methods and techniques of communicating with diverse populations.
• Principles and techniques of effective interviewing and information gathering.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Provide program services to clients with diverse needs in a sensitive manner.
• Learn about local community resources and community services.
• Promote County services within the community.
• Work as part of a team to ensure clients receive optimal treatment and care.
• Educate and motivate the client population served.
• Demonstrate effective customer service skills.
• Interact with people of diverse social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Prepare clear and concise notes, records, correspondence, reports, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Operate a personal computer utilizing a variety of standard software.

• A position in the class may require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to 40 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.