Eligibility Specialist II

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 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, which 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, whose duties include lead specialist responsibilities or special assignments with a greater degree of independent judgment. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Incumbents 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. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Perform 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 Analyze financial and eligibility information to determine initial or continuing eligibility for multiple aid programs Explain regulations, rules and policies to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for participation in various public assistance programs and services Ensure accuracy and completion of application and declaration forms Resolve discrepancies by securing documentation, medical records and confirmation from other agencies Enter and retrieve numerical and narrative data and issue benefits from an automated computer system Determine the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex computations and/or computer entries and then analyzing the results Review and interpret information provided on a variety of forms both by the client and third parties to assist with eligibility determination Evaluate clients for and answer questions on Advanced Payment Tax Credits (APTC) related to health care reform Explain a variety of plan options, costs and individual plan features through Covered California Monitor ongoing eligibility by obtaining periodic updated information of eligibility factors and take appropriate actions on changes Determine need for additional services and make referrals as needed for employment and other services to outside agencies to assist clients toward self‑sufficiency and direct clients accordingly Organize and prioritize caseload so that necessary case records and documents are processed and updated within specific time limits established by regulation and local policy Enter and maintain case records, including written narratives, forms and computer documents in a clear and readable format Troubleshoot task and/or case issues to determine appropriate resolution of problems, involving Help Desk as needed Communicate both orally and in writing with clients and others related to the initial and ongoing eligibility determination while maintaining confidentiality Respond to questions and complaints of clients in person, by telephone, mail and/or email communication Provide pertinent forms and pamphlets to clients as required Identify suspected fraud and make referrals for investigation Make referrals to social service workers as needed Participate in special projects, studies, work assignments and committees Prepare correspondence and reports Perform related duties as assigned EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Note: 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 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 Computer terminology and computer keyboard arrangement Modern office practices, methods and procedures Record keeping practices and procedures Principles of mathematical calculations Intricacies of health insurance plans, medical health plan options and associated terminology Regulations and rules regarding household filing status related to the Affordable Care Act Cultural and human behavior, including knowledge of self, to interact effectively with clients and staff Principles and practices of effective customer service 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 Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information and/or prepare documentation Ability to: Apply the policies, procedures and programs of the County Social Services Department Apply the laws, rules and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple public assistance programs and the case administration of these programs 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 Analyze and interpret written, numerical and verbal data from various sources Utilize multiple electronic information, social services systems and analyze and interpret such information Enter and maintain data accurately and timely into a computerized system 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 Plan and organize caseload to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness Function effectively in a system with strict deadlines and constant changes Read, understand, apply and explain complicated and detailed correspondence, reports, regulations and policy directives Perform a variety of mathematical computations accurately and rapidly Prepare clear, concise and accurate records and reports 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 tax filing 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 through the Affordable Care Act Review a variety of tax documents to obtain needed household filing information Explain health care reform tax credit implications to clients Refer clients to other community services as needed Assess and manage difficult and hostile persons or situations; or call for intervention when appropriate Interact with people in a courteous manner in person, on the telephone, by mail or email Work in a fast‑paced, professional office environment and prioritize a wide range of duties with varying time requirements to ensure timely completion Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff Follow written and oral directions and instructions One (1) year full‑time experience in an Eligibility Specialist I classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) County; or Two (2) years of full‑time experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs in a public human services agency. EXAMINATION INFORMATION Written Examination – Weighted 100% The written examination will consist of an multiple‑choice service‑wide exam with the following four test sections: Data Analysis and Math Workplace Issues Grammar and Proofreading Reading Comprehension To obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination. ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Plumas. 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 PERIOD Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for six months from the established eligibility date. SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTS Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io 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 DOCUMENTS If 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 coursework is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers. EDUCATION DOCUMENTS If 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 coursework is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers. GENERAL INFORMATION This 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. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Positions may require pre‑employment screening, including background checks, and fingerprinting. 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. Background checks are required and must be repeated every five years. Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification and local law enforcement checks. All Plumas County employees are considered Disaster Service Workers and must take the associated FEMA training. Recruitments that note continuous under the closing date are subject to close at any time. Applications will not be accepted after a continuous recruitment is closed. The written exam and oral exam dates will be determined once the recruitment closes. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr