Eligibility Specialist I/II (MSS) - Merit System Services : Job Details

Salary: $1,308.33 - $1,565.70 BiweeklyLocation : Crescent CityJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: MSS04832Department: Del Norte County Department of Health and Human ServicesOpening Date: 10/25/2024Closing Date: 11/8/2024 11:59 PM PacificPosition InformationThe 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.Eligibility Specialist IThe Eligibility Specialist I is the entry-level classification in the Eligibility Specialist series. Incumbents may have prior experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment or veterans' benefits, or publicly or privately funded health, counseling or social services programs; have completed initial classroom training provided as part of the Eligibility Specialist Trainee training program; or may have the required level of education. Incumbents will be placed in a work team and initially may receive classroom instruction prior to being assigned casework and/or tasks. Incumbents will work under close supervision while learning to independently determine public assistance eligibility, and apply knowledge and skills learned from their training in completing eligibility tasks and applying complex regulations. As incumbents gain experience and work toward the journey level in the series, they are expected to work with more independence and have the ability to complete more complex tasks and/or handle larger client caseloads. Incumbents are expected to progress to the journey-level Eligibility Specialist II upon completion of one year of satisfactory performance in the entry-level Eligibility Specialist I classification.Eligibility Specialist IIThe 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 as the latter 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 in that the latter class is assigned lead specialist duties or special assignments with a greater degree of independent judgment. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVEDIncumbents 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. Examples of DutiesDuties may include, but are not limited to, the following:(For Eligibility Specialist I, duties are performed at the entry level.)

• 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
• 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
• 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 computations and/or computer entries and then analyzing 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 (APTC) 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 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
• Makes referrals to social service workers as needed
• Participates in special projects, studies, work assignments and committees
• Prepares correspondence and reports
• Performs related duties as assigned

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDSNote: 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 theAffordable 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

Minimum QualificationsEligibility Specialist IPattern 1: One year full-time experience in an Eligibility Specialist Trainee classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) county;ORPattern 2: One (1) year of full-time experience determining eligibility for health programs, loans, financial assistance, unemployment, or other benefits and two (2) years of clerical work involving public contact;ORPattern 3: Two (2) years of full-time experience determining eligibility for health programs, loans, financial assistance, unemployment, or other benefits;ORPattern 4: Four (4) years of full-time clerical work involving public contact, interviewing, math computations, completion of forms or eliciting information from the public;ORPattern 5:Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.Qualifying experience or education may be combined in order to meet the above requirements. When combining education and experience; fifteen (15) semester units or twenty-two and a half (22.5) quarter units equals six months of experience. Eligibility Specialist IIOne (1) year full time experience in an Eligibility Specialist I classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) County;ORTwo (2) years of full time experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs in a public human services agency. Supplemental InformationExamination Information Training & Experience Examination - Weighted 100%The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate's knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. To obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination. Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin. Eligible List InformationA departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Del Norte. 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 PeriodOnce you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date.Special Testing ArrangementsSpecial testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at or 916-###-#### 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.Education DocumentsIf 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 course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.General InformationThis 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.MSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified. If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination. Your performance in this examination will be rated against predetermined rating criteria. All competitors who pass will be added to the eligible list. Meeting the entry requirements does not assure success in the examination or placement on the eligible list. General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. As part of the hiring process, a background investigation may be required.Equal Employment OpportunityThe 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.Additional Information

• A valid driver's license may be required at the time of appointment and employees may also be required to drive their own car, provide proof of car insurance, and a DMV clearance. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• As a condition of employment, the County of Del Norte will require proof of ability to work in the U.S.
• This recruitment will be used to fill full-time, part-time, and extra-help positions as vacancies occur.

About Del Norte County Del Norte County, where the redwoods meet the sea, is located in the northwest corner of California along the Pacific Ocean and adjacent to the Oregon border. The substantially rural county is notable for forests containing coast redwoods, some over 350 feet tall. These redwoods are the tallest living things on Earth, dating back over 2,000 years. Notably, the County is located in one of the few rain forests in the temperate region. The County is home to a multitude of unique plants and flowers, coastal bird and fish species, rocky primitive beaches and sea stacks, pristine rivers, and historic lighthouses. Del Norte County is home to several fun rivers and ocean activities, a variety of food festivals, including local seafood, a sanctioned BBQ cook-off, raft races on the beautiful and wild Smith River, and the very popular ocean stand-up paddleboard race. There are numerous hiking trails located within the national and state parks, as well as sponsored park events throughout the year. Star Wars enthusiasts will also recognize the County as being the location of some of the forest scenes used in Return of the Jedi. Merit System Services does not negotiate or determine the benefits or salaries for positions offered by its partners. For more information about benefits or salaries, please visit the listed county or child support office's website or contact their human resources department.01 APPLICANTS WISHING TO USE THEIR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY MUST SUBMIT THEIR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS. Applicants who completed their education outside of the United States must submit verification of degree and/or course equivalency with the application. Organizations that provide foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at Merit System Services will accept verification of degree and/or course equivalency from any of the listed member agencies. You must attach all pertinent documents before submitting the application. Required Question