Screener

Under limited supervision the Screener assists applicants for public assistance programs; explains policies and procedures; gathers and verifies facts and information; initiates cases through an automated system; makes appropriate referrals for health social and/or employment services; and performs related work as required.

The Screener is a specialized clerical classification. Incumbents in this class have primary responsibility for performing the application screening interview and related functions.

The Screener differs from the Office Assistant III in that the latter may perform application screening interviews as a duty while having primary responsibility for other advanced clerical functions. The Screener differs from the Eligibility Specialist in that the Eligibility Specialist classification determines initial and continuing eligibility authorizes aid payments initiates case changes performs in-depth interactive interviewing and applies extensive multiple aid program knowledge.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

Incumbents in the Screener classification receive supervision from an Eligibility Supervisor or other higher-level supervisor or manager. A Screener has no responsibility for directing or supervising others and is responsible for own work only.

• Provides general information application forms and declaration forms.
• Explains policies procedures and requirements to applicants to apprise them of their rights and responsibilities.
• Performs initial application interview for public assistance programs and services.
• Ensures accuracy and completion of application and declaration forms.
• Questions applicants to gather and verify information and enter information directly into an automated computer system.
• Schedules applicant appointments with Eligibility Specialists.
• Refers applicants in need of immediate services to appropriate resources.
• Performs additional tasks related to case records.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices methods and procedures.
• General goals and purpose of public social services programs.
• Computer terminology and computer keyboard arrangement.

• Learn the basic principles of the departments automated systems.
• Learn and apply the rules regulations policies and procedures pertaining to initial application for public assistance.
• Learn appropriate questioning content and techniques for interviewing applicants.
• Enter data accurately into automated system.
• Locate identify and correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Answer a variety of questions related to department programs and the application process.
• Make referrals to appropriate agencies and social service programs.
• Exercise sound judgment when initiating processes actions and alternatives within established procedures and regulations.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
• Follow written and oral directions and instructions.

Two (2) years of full-time experience performing clerical office support duties including one (1) year at the journey level. Experience must have included substantial public contact.

Training & Experience Examination Weighted 100%

The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidates 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 Information

A departmentalopen eligiblelist will be established for the county of Tehama. 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 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 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.

Benefits
This position offers the following benefits:

• Represented by the Joint Council bargaining unit.
• 96 hours of vacation per year increasing upon continuous years of service.
• 96 hours of sick leave per year.
• 14 paid holidays plus one 8-hour personal holiday.
• CalPERS retirement plan 8% employee contribution.
• The County pays approximately 80% of premium for medical dental and vision plan (including a $30000 life insurance plan for employee). For the employee and entire family the current employees share of the insurance plan is $234.54 per month.
• Annual salary step increase based upon satisfactory performance and completion of 2080 hours (Steps A to E).
• Deferred compensation plan with the County matching the employees deposit up to $60 per month.
• Supplemental insurance plans are available.
• Employee Assistance Program is provided to all employees at no cost by the County.

Additional Information
ADA/EEO/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
As a condition of employment Tehama County Social Services will require:
A valid drivers license will be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Proof of ability to work in the United States
Pre-employment drug testing and physical
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 five (5) yearsfrom the date of the previous background investigation for each employee that has access to federal tax information.

About Tehama County

Beautiful Tehama County is in the heart of northern California midway between Sacramento and the Oregon border. Based on the shores of the Sacramento River and in the shadows of Mount Lassen Tehama County boasts some of the lowest housing costs in California along with short commute times to work. The County is home to a myriad of recreational activities.