Placer Employment Opportunities

Eligibility Specialist - I

Recruitment #2019-15542-01

Introduction

This recruitment will be used to fill vacancies in the South Placer and Auburn areas. If you are interested in Eligibility Specialist I opportunities in the North Lake Tahoe area, please submit a separate application for 2019-15542-02.

If you apply for both the Auburn/South Placer and Tahoe recruitments and are qualified, you will only need to take one written examination.

This recruitment will be used to fill both open and promotional vacancies in the Auburn and South Placer locations of the Department of Health and Human Services as they arise, subject to specific position requirements.

Bilingual skills in Spanish and/or Russian are preferred, but not required for the current vacancies. Upon successfully completing the pre-employment process and accepting a formal offer of hire, applicants who indicated a bilingual proficiency must receive a passing score from Placer County's Foreign Language Assessment and be assigned to provide bilingual services in order to receive the additional 5% Bilingual pay.

Employees will receive a 2% general wage increase effective June 8, 2019.

POSITION INFORMATION

The current vacancies are in the Health and Human Services Department in the Human Services Division and will be used to fill positions in eligibility programs such as CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and Veterans Services. This list may also be used to fill positions in other divisions/departments as vacancies arise.

Bilingual skills in Spanish and/or Russian are preferred, but not required for the current vacancy.

DEFINITION

To determine eligibility for, or continuation of, designated and specialized client services programs and their respective benefits; to provide administrative and technical support for designated program operations and the provision of services; to track and monitor the continuing quality of services provided and client needs to ensure compliance with program guidelines and regulations; and to function as an integral and supportive member of assigned departmental and multi-disciplinary team(s).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level class in the Eligibility Specialist series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision from supervisory or management staff and may receive technical and functional supervision from an Eligibility Specialist - Senior.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Interview applicants for and participants in designated client services programs and services; assist applicants in the completion of appropriate applications, financial disclosures, and declaration forms necessary to process application; determine and request necessary verification and data to accurately evaluate the applicant or client’s eligibility, and determine applicant’s/participant’s eligibility for designated program(s).
  • Interpret and explain designated program(s) regulations, obligations, procedures and other pertinent information on an individual basis, in person or by telephone, or in group settings to applicants, participants and the general public.
  • Educate, recommend and determine initial and continuing eligibility in accordance with established procedures for various assigned programs including verification of reported information and of benefits provided by other jurisdictions; screen applicants/participants to determine eligibility for expedited, expanded and/or modified services.
  • Maintain appropriate and accurate case records, documentation and files, including performing data entry into automated record systems; monitor and follow-up on due dates; prepare and maintain other documents associated with designated program area(s) and related reporting requirements.
  • Recognize the need for and provide referrals to other client services and/or community resources/agencies to assist applicants/participants in identifying and utilizing the resources and services available; establish and maintain liaison with local private and public resources to provide continuity of services and awareness of designated program area(s).
  • Conduct program orientation and/or information sessions for clients, applicants, vendors, contractors, landlords, employers, and the general public to disseminate accurate information regarding assigned program area(s) and pertinent criteria, regulations, and guidelines.
  • Perform specialized functions and tasks in support of assigned program(s) such as processing claims for reimbursement of tenant damages; preparing lease/contract documents; issue certificates, overpayments and vouchers, issuing checks and making referrals to fraud investigations as necessary; conduct surveys and/or field housing quality inspections relative to compliance standards.
  • Make appropriate determinations according to established criteria and assigned program’s regulations; perform calculations to verify mathematical and financial data; initiate appropriate process according to determination.
  • When assigned to the WIC program, conduct nutritional and related classes under the direction of a Nutritionist, including determining nutritional goals according to established criteria, and collecting, documenting, and evaluating clinical and dietary information.
  • Assist with troubleshooting and the resolving system issues and inconsistencies in information as it relates to the various automated systems used for generating eligibility determinations.
  • Perform a variety of administrative support and clerical duties related to assigned program activities to include filing, maintaining records and statistics, word processing, and answering the telephones.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County and departmental employees, community agencies and resources, and the public utilizing principles of effective customer service.
  • Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: Two years of journey level clerical experience that includes substantial public contact, interviewing, obtaining financial and personal history information, decision making based on complex rules and regulations, and/or written and financial record keeping.

Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.  Completion of the equivalent of 30 semester units in social services, sociology, social work, psychology, behavioral science, business or public administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university is highly desirable.

License or Certificate:

  • When assigned to Veteran Services, ability to obtain, within the probationary period, certification from the State of California Department of Veterans Affairs to present claims to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 14.629.
  • When assigned to the WIC program, ability to obtain, within the probationary period, certification from the State of California as a WIC Nutrition Assistant.
  • May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Techniques of interviewing and information gathering, and record keeping practices.
  • Modern office procedures, methods and computer hardware and software and its applications.
  • English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Basic mathematical calculations.

Ability to:

  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; explain designated and specific regulations and procedures to clients and the general public.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, climb, squat, twist and reach while retrieving or returning files or making field visits.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see with correctable acuity sufficient to read characters on computer screen; hear and speak with correctable acuity sufficient to communicate with clients; and lift moderate weight.
  • Learn to apply the policies, procedures, and programs of the Health and Human Services Department.
  • Learn to apply the laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility for multiple public assistance programs.
  • Make referrals to appropriate agencies and programs.
  • Learn to detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.
  • Make rapid and accurate arithmetic calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
  • Effectively interview a wide variety of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and who may be physically, emotionally or mentally impaired or distressed.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Plan and prioritize caseload to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness.
  • Follow written and oral direction and instructions.
  • Obtain information through interview; work fairly and courteously with the public; handle multiple case assignments; and work effectively with interruptions.
  • Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action within established guidelines and parameters.
  • Use a computer and related software applications.
  • Use modern office equipment, such as a calculator, telephone, facsimile machine, and photocopy machine.
  • Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Written Examination (100%) 

The written examination may include multiple choice, true/false, fill-in, matching, and/or essay type questions directly related to the required knowledge and abilities for this classification.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications, and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

BENEFITS

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit

Selection Plan

This Timeline is Tentative and Subject to Change:

04/30/19 - Minimum Qualifications Screening

05/03/19 - 'Not Qualified' Notices Emailed

05/07/19 - Written Examination Invitations Emailed

05/16/19 - Written Examination

05/30/19 - Eligible List Established



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