Eligibility Specialist Trainee

Salary: $2,977.00 - $4,620.00 Monthly

Location : Alturas

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: MSS05012

Department: Modoc County Department of Social Services

Opening Date: 01/29/2025

Closing Date: Continuous

Position Information

THIS IS NOT A "REMOTE WORK" or "TELEWORKING" POSITION.

THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN MODOC COUNTY, CA.

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 Trainee is the classroom and on-the-job trainee level in the Eligibility Specialist series where emphasis is on learning the basic regulatory and statutory requirements of multiple public assistance programs. Incumbents may receive classroom instruction and/or on-the-job training prior to being assigned casework or tasks. Once incumbents are placed in a unit, they will continue to participate in on-the-job training and may be assigned a variety of duties, including some casework/tasks which will assist them in learning to determine initial and continuing eligibility for one or more public assistance programs. Incumbents work under close supervision to complete initial case functions as they continue to learn procedures and complex regulations and acquire the ability to apply the regulations during the training period. Trainees are given the opportunity to perform increasing levels of eligibility determination to prepare them for the entry-level Eligibility Specialist I classification. Incumbents are expected to progress to the entry-level Eligibility Specialist I upon satisfactory completion of one year as a trainee. Use of the Eligibility Specialist Trainee classification is optional, at the discretion of each County.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

Incumbents in the Eligibility Specialist Trainee classification typically receive supervision from an Eligibility Supervisor and may receive lead direction from an Eligibility Specialist III.

Examples of Duties

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

(Duties are performed at the trainee level, where the incumbent is learning to perform the duties and progress as more experience is gained)

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 STANDARDS

Note: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as a trainee.

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

Minimum Qualifications

ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST TRAINEE

Pattern 1: Two (2) years of full-time clerical experience involving public contact, interviewing, math computations, completion of forms or eliciting information from the public;

OR

Pattern 2: One year of full-time experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment or veterans benefits, or publicly or privately funded health, counseling or social services programs;

OR

Pattern 3: Completion of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter college units.

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.

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 course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

Supplemental Information

This is not a "remote work" or "teleworking" position. This position is in Modoc County, CA (shown in red on the map below):

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.

This position is full-time at 37.5 hours per week.

Position may require pre-employment drug testing, physical and fingerprinting for a background investigation.

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. A background check may be required if the position requires access to these types of records. Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification and local law enforcement checks. State agencies must conduct investigation during time of hire and ensure a reinvestigation is conducted 5 years from the date of the previous background investigation for each employee that has access to federal tax information.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

ONLINE WRITTEN EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%

The online written examination will consist of a multiple-choice online written exam with the following four (4) 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. MSS is accepting applications on a continuous basis.

ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION

A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Modoc. 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 (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date.

SPECIAL TEST 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 or 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

ABOUT MODOC COUNTY

Modoc County is a geographically diverse area in the northeastern corner of California and borders both Oregon and Nevada. The City of Alturas is the county seat and the only incorporated city in the County. Federal land comprises much of Modoc County, with employees from the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National