Eligibility Specialist I

Job Description:

Eligibility Specialist I

Description

The Position

The current vacancies are in Ukiah and Fort Bragg.

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions throughout the County, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium .

Under close supervision, Eligibility Specialist I determines the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs through interactive interviewing and fact gathering; processes casework through automated systems; makes appropriate referrals for health, social, and/or employment services; and performs related work as required. Eligibility Specialists are expected to handle a high volume of deadline driven tasks, and have the ability to prioritize, plan and project their work, while remaining flexible to changing priorities.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

D uties may include but are not limited to the following:

• 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 services.
• Analyzes financial and eligibility information to determine initial or continuing eligibility for multiple aid programs.
• Reconciles data through multiple data systems, ensuring all data is matched.
• Explains regulations, rules, and policies to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for participation in various public assistance programs and services.
• Ensures accuracy and completion of application and declaration forms.
• Resolves discrepancies by securing documentation, medical records, and confirmation from other agencies.
• Initiates a total-household assistance case.
• Enters and retrieves numerical and narrative data, and issues benefits from an automated computer system.
• Determines the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex mathematical computations and/or complex computer entries.
• Reviews and interprets information provided on a variety of forms both by the client and third parties to assist with eligibility determinations.
• Explains a variety of health insurance plan options, costs and individual plan features.
• Monitors ongoing eligibility by obtaining periodic updated information of eligibility factors and takes appropriate actions on changes.
• Determines need for additional services and makes referrals as needed for employment and other services to outside agencies; and directs clients accordingly.
• Organizes and prioritizes caseload so that necessary case records and documents are processed and updated within specific time limits established by regulation and local policy.
• Enters and maintains case records, including written narratives, forms and computer documents in a clear and readable format.
• Troubleshoots task and/or case issues to determine appropriate resolution of problems, involving Help Desk as needed; may participate in system testing and design.
• Communicates both orally and in writing with clients and others related to the initial and ongoing eligibility determination while maintaining confidentiality.
• Responds to questions and complaints of clients in person, by telephone, mail and/or email communication.
• Provides pertinent forms and pamphlets to clients as required.
• Identifies suspected fraud and makes referrals for investigation.
• Makes referrals to social service workers as needed.
• Participates in special projects, studies, work assignments, meetings, conferences and committees.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

Pattern 1: Two (2) years of full-time experience performing clerical and/or customer service duties that include, but not limited to, data entry, filing, reception, public contact, interviewing, math computation, completion of complex forms, or eliciting information from the public; OR

Pattern 2: One (1) year of full-time experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment, veterans benefits, health programs, or other benefits; OR

Pattern 3: Successful completion of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter units in any field from an accredited college or university.

Substitution: Qualifying experience or education may be combined in order to meet the above requirements. When combining education and experience, fifteen (15) semester or twenty-two and a half (22.5) quarter units may be substituted for six months of the required experience.

(Example: 15/22.5 units = 6 months 30/45 units = 1 year 45/67.5 units = 1 ½ years)

Some positions may require possession of special language and culture skills as a bona fide qualifications standard. In these cases, candidates must demonstrate that they possess the required skills.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• General goals and purpose of public social services programs.
• Laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing eligibility for diverse public assistance programs and related case administrative techniques.
• Methods and techniques of conducting an investigative interview and information gathering.
• Modern office practices, methods, and procedures.
• Computer software programs to conduct research, assess information and/or prepare documentation.
• Record keeping practices and procedures.
• Principles of mathematical calculations.
• Intricacies of health insurance plans and medical health plan options and associated terminology.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.
• Cultural and human behavior, including knowledge of self, to interact effectively with clients and staff.
• Structure and content for 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.

Skill in:

• Analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Enter and maintain data accurately and timely into a computerized system.
• Plan and organize caseload to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness.
• Read, understand, apply, and explain complicated and detailed correspondence and reports, regulations, and policy directives.
• Perform a variety of mathematical computations accurately and rapidly.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate grammar and syntax.
• Interact with people in a courteous manner in person, on the telephone, by mail or e-mail communication.
• Assess and manage difficult and hostile persons or situations; or call for intervention when appropriate.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Apply the policies, procedures, and programs of the County Social Services branch.
• Apply the laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple public assistance programs and the case administration of these programs.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on assignments.
• Evaluate and make appropriate recommendations and corrections on selected cases.
• Identify available resources, and communicate with others to obtain and verify information concerning eligibility.
• Use fact finding techniques and perform in-depth and interactive interviewing.
• Determine appropriate course of action in emergency situations.
• Make referrals to appropriate agencies and social service programs.
• Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.
• Utilize multiple electronic information, social services systems and analyze and interpret such information.
• Navigate through computer screens and effectively use computer systems, software applications and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Identify when computer output is incorrect and make corrections.
• Process cases manually as required.
• Function effectively in a system with strict deadlines and constant changes.
• Explain complex rules and programs so they can be understood by people of diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Gather, record and correctly evaluate data, income and additional necessary information required for the determination of eligibility for one or more programs.
• Explain health insurance plan options and plan details available to clients.
• Review a variety of documents to obtain needed household filing information.
• Explain health care reform tax credit implications to clients.
• Refer clients to other community services as needed.
• Work in a fast-paced, professional office environment and prioritize a wide range of duties with varying time requirements to ensure timely completion.
• Follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to: walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and push, pull, move or lift above and below the neck objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed with those judged most qualified progressing further in the selection process ; incomplete applications will not be considered . The examination process will consist of a rated supplemental questionnaire (weight 50%); those who receive a passing score will be invited to participate in a qualifications appraisal panel (oral exam, weight 50%). The supplemental questionnaire and oral examination will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: If you require special testing arrangements to accommodate a disability or religious conviction you must contact Human Resources at 707.234.6600 prior to the test date to make your requirements known. You must provide enough advance notice to allow Human Resources to properly review and evaluate your request .

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Closing Date/Time: 12/29/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$44,304.00 - $53,830.40 Annually