Eligibility Specialist I/II - County of Shasta, CA : Job Details

Salary : $41,676.00 - $59,808.00 AnnuallyLocation : 96001, CAJob Type: Full-Time RegularJob Number: 1288-9_HHSA_EM_120624Department: Health & Human Services Agency - Economic MobilityOpening Date: 12/16/2024Closing Date: 12/30/2024 9:00 AM PacificTHE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE SHASTA COUNTYHEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCYECONOMIC MOBILITY BRANCHORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 2025RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIREDFINAL FILING DATE: DECEMBER 30, 2024 AT 9:00 AMSALARY INFORMATIONEligibility Specialist I: $3,473 - $4,434 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $20.04 - $25.58 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*Eligibility Specialist II: $3,905 - $4,984 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $22.53 - $28.75 APPROXIMATE HOURLY**Please refer to the appropriate Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding for potential future salary increases* Please visit ABOUT SHASTA COUNTYShasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.ABOUT THE DEPARTMENTHealth and Human Services AgencyThe Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) partners with communities to protect and improve the health and well-being of Shasta County residents. Established in 2006, the HHSA is organized into four branches: Behavioral Health & Social Services, Public Health, Economic Mobility, with a centralized Administration Services. The HHSA promotes optimal health for all. The frail, the abused, the mentally ill and those without resources look to the HHSA for services and resources to meet their basic needs, and to protect their health and safety. This transformation improves efficiency, avoids unnecessary duplication of effort, encourages collaboration among programs and organizes the HHSA's services to be more responsive to the needs of the public.The Economic Mobility Branch provides assistance and services to individuals and families in the community. Through multiple locations in Redding, Anderson, Shasta Lake, Burney and Enterprise the branch provides initial and on-going eligibility determination services for public benefits such as CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Assistance, Healthcare Programs, and WIC. The branch provides CalWORKs and CalFresh employment preparation and support services, as well as behavioral health and comprehensive perinatal alcohol and drug counseling services. Recently, the branch also added a new division to consolidate and streamline homeless and housing services within the HHSA and finally, the Economic Mobility Branch also provides referrals for individuals and families to other services within the HHSA and within the community. ABOUT THE POSITIONDetermines the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs through interactive interviewing and fact gathering; maintains current knowledge of program regulations and procedures necessary for multi-program caseload administration; initiates and processes casework through an automated system; identifies needs and makes appropriate referrals for health, social, and/or employment services; and performs related work as required.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSEligibility Specialist IWorking under close supervision, employees in this class receive in-service training and are given detailed instructions in the performance of routine duties related to eligibility for public assistance programs and caseload administration. As requisite skills and knowledge are developed, greater independence and the full scope of responsibility are exercised. Employees are expected to promote to Eligibility Specialist II after one (1) year of satisfactory performance at the trainee level.Eligibility Specialist IIWorking under general supervision, Eligibility Specialist II is the journey level in the Eligibility Specialist series. Employees at this level are expected to manage a full, multi-program caseload independently, referring non-procedural questions to the supervisor. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level of Eligibility Specialist I, or if filled from the outside, require prior related experience. Eligibility Specialist II differs from Eligibility Specialist III in that the latter may provide lead direction and/or perform specialized assignments in areas such as quality control or fraud prevention, requiring an advanced level of technical knowledge. Supervision Exercised and Received: Incumbents in the Eligibility Specialist I/II classification receive supervision from an Eligibility Supervisor and may receive lead direction from an Eligibility Specialist III.IDEAL CANDIDATEThe ideal candidate for this position will have a strong emphasis on continuous quality improvement; strong work ethic and ability to prioritize assigned work tasks and follow through in a timely manner; excellent listening and strong written and verbal communication skills; excellent customer service skills and initiative; solution based problem solving skills; experience in maintaining cooperative relations and communications with customers, management, and staff; ability to maintain a high standard of professionalism; proficiency in MS Office suite as well as basic knowledge of software and database programs. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIESEligibility Specialist I: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following. For Eligibility Specialist I, duties are performed at the trainee level: Performs interactive interviews in person or via the telephone 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 public assistance programs; 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 automated computer systems; determines the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex computations and/or computer entries and then analyzes the results; reviews and interprets information provided on a variety of forms both by the client and third parties to assist with eligibility determination; evaluates clients for and answers questions on Advanced Payment Tax Credits related to health care reform; explains a variety of plan options, costs, and individual plan features through Covered California; monitors on-going eligibility by obtaining periodic updated information of eligibility factors and takes appropriate actions on changes; determines the 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 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; 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; prepares correspondence and reports; participates in special projects, studies, work assignments, and committees; and performs related duties as assigned.Eligibility Specialist II: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following. For Eligibility Specialist II, duties are performed at the journey level: Performs interactive interviews in person or via the telephone 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 public assistance programs; explains regulations, rules, and policies to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for participation; 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 automated computer systems; determines the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex computations and/or computer entries and then analyzes the results; reviews and interprets information provided on a variety of forms both by the client and third parties to assist with eligibility determination; evaluates clients for and answers questions on Advanced Payment Tax Credits related to health care reform; explains a variety of plan options, costs, and individual plan features through Covered California; monitors on-going eligibility by obtaining periodic updated information of eligibility factors and takes appropriate actions on changes; determines the 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 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; 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; prepares correspondence and reports; participates in special projects, studies, work assignments, and committees; and performs related duties as assigned. TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONSIt is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.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.Eligibility Specialist IKnowledge 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 automated computer systems; modern office practices, methods, and procedures; basic 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 Health and Human Services Agency; apply the laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and benefits 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 and 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/tasks 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 and 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 agency and 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; and follow written and oral directions and instructions.These standards are typically attained with:EITHERTwo (2) years of experience performing clerical duties;OROne (1) year of experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment, or veterans' benefits, or publicly or privately funded health, counseling, or social services;ORCompletion of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter college units. Some positions may require possession of special language and culture skills as a bona fide qualification standard. In these cases, candidates must demonstrate that they possess the required skills.Eligibility Specialist IIKnowledge 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 automated computer systems; modern office practices, methods, and procedures; basic 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 Health and Human Services Agency; apply the laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and benefits 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 and 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/tasks 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 and 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 agency and 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; and follow written and oral directions and instruction.These standards are typically attained with:One (1) year of full-time experience performing duties of the Eligibility Specialist I classification.Some positions may require possession of special language and culture skills as a bona fide qualification standard. In these cases, candidates must demonstrate that they possess the required skills.SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONSResponses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

Do you have experience performing clerical duties? Yes/No

If Yes, to supplemental question #1, please list job titles(s), main duties, and employment dates where you obtained this clerical experience. If No, type N/A.

Do you have experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment, or veterans' benefits, or publicly or privately funded health, counseling or social services? Yes/No

If Yes, to supplemental question #3, please list job titles(s), main duties, and employment dates where you obtained this experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment, or veterans' benefits, or publicly or privately funded health, counseling or social services. If No, type N/A.

Have you completed sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter college units? Yes/No

How many years of experience using Microsoft Office products (e.g., Word, Outlook, Excel) do you have?

1 - 2 years

2 - 3 years

3 or more years

N/A

I acknowledge the nature of this position calls for maintaining the confidentiality of all public assistance clients. Yes/No

I acknowledge, and am willing to meet, multiple deadlines and perform work under the time-sensitive mandates that this position requires. Yes/No

I acknowledge if hired for this position, I will be working with people who may be in a highly emotional state. Yes/No

I am willing to work in a team environment while maintaining collaborative and effective working relationships. Yes/No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENTThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
• Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
• As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
• Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.

• Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information visit If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) ###-#### to request a flyer.

• In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
• Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the United Public Employees of California - General Unit.

• Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 9.5% his/her pay to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at for additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURESShasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 9:00 a.m., on December 30, 2024. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter, or See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered. Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof. Veterans' Credit:Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE. Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) ###-####; relay service (800) ###-####; fax (530) ###-####.Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERShasta County Personnel1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) ###-####NOTE: Various bargaining units may have benefits that alter from this general summary. This summary of benefits is not a binding document and is provided as a courtesy. Refer to labor agreements (MOUs) for specific benefit information. THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES Holidays:

• 12 paid holidays (96 hours) per year.
• 1 Floating holiday annually.

Vacation:

• 10 working days a year during the first three years of service.
• 15 working days a year - 4 through 9 years of service.
• 17 working days a year - 10 through 15 years of service.
• 20 working days a year - 16 or more years of service.

Note - accrued vacation leave may not be used until after three months of employment. For purposes of vacation accrual, a working day is no more than 8 hours.Employees may elect to receive a payment for Vacation hours (in lieu of use) for up to twenty hours - in five whole hour increments - of accrued vacation. *Subject to criteria as outlined in section 13.9C in the UPEC-General MOU. Sick Leave:

• 96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.
  • Employees terminating in good standing after completion of 5 years of continuous service will re