Eligibility Technician I

Applicants: If you are using education to qualify please remember to include copies of your transcripts degree(s) and/or certifications. Foreign degrees must have a U.S. Equivalency Report. Failure to submit may result in your application being disqualified.

ATTENTION JOB APPLICANTS: Please indicate in the supplemental question section if you are interested in a bilingual position. Job applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job bulletin and be successful in the interview process. If selected for a bilingual position as a condition of employment candidates who are selected for hire must receive a qualifying proficiency score on the Eligibility Specialistbilingual certification examination(s) administered by MSS.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

ONLINE WRITTEN EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%

The written examination will consist of a multiple choice online written exam with the following four(4) test sections:

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 Imperial. 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.

BILINGUAL TESTING
If selected for a bilingual position job applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job bulletin and be successful in the interview process. As a condition of employment candidates who are selected for hire must receive a qualifying proficiency score on the Eligibility Specialist bilingual certification examination(s) administered by MSS.

For Eligibility Specialist the required proficiency level is:ILR Level 2- Limited Working Proficiency: At this rating level bilingual persons can satisfy routine social demands and limited work requirements. Bilingual persons at this level can handle basic social situations including introductions and casual conversations about current events work family and autobiographical information. At this level persons can handle limited work requirements needing help only with complicated or difficult subjects. Persons should have sufficient vocabulary and skill to handle topics without specialized knowledge. Persons at this level may have an intelligible and sometimes faulty accent and may not have thorough control of grammar for the required language.

Please review the bilingual examination information below:

SPANISH ORAL EXAMINATION
The oral examination is designed to elicit the full range of the target language to identify how well candidates use and control the language. The oral examination is administered over the phone and consists of a series of prompts (such as providing a description discussing a hypothetical event providing an opinion etc.) requiring an oral response. Candidates will be evaluated on comprehension communication grammar and vocabulary.

SPANISH WRITTEN EXAMINATION
The written examination is designed to evaluate the reading and writing proficiency of the candidate. The written examination is administered online and consists of several prompts presented in the target language. Candidates are required to provide a written response and will be evaluated on comprehension expression and mechanics.

ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION
A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Imperial. 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• A valid drivers license is required at the time of appointment. Employees may also be required to drive their own car and provide proof of car insurance. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• This position will require pre-employment drug testing a physical examination and fingerprinting for a background investigation.
• Government agencies accessing US government information which includes federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent with the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information.
• Employees in this position may be required to drive in and out of the county to conduct business. Travel may include an airplane commute.
• Employees may be required to work with clients of various age groups and clients with mental health issues physical health issues substance use issues victims of abuse and/or domestic violence at risk of abuse and financial instability.
• Employees may encounter hostile and emotionally troubled clients including children and parents under the influence of controlled substances and alcohol.
• Employees in this position may be required to work overtime.
• Employees will be required to represent the County in administrative appeals and fair hearings.
• The ability to speak read and write Spanish in addition to English would be an asset in this position. Applicants for English/Spanish bilingual-designated positions must take and pass the bilingual proficiency examination administered by the California Department of Human Resources Merit System Services.
• All Imperial County employees are considered Disaster Service Workers and might be required to take the associated FEMA training.
• As a State of California disaster service worker employees may be required to work during a declared emergency or disaster.
• This position may be stationed at one of the various Imperial County Dept. of Social Services offices located in Calexico El Centro and Brawley. At times the position may be required to work out of the various Family Resources Centers located at the following sites: Holtville Niland Salton City Winterhaven Calipatria Palo Verde Ocotillo and Seeley.

ABOUT IMPERIAL COUNTY
Imperial County is located in the Imperial Valley in the southeast of California bordering Arizona and Mexico with the Colorado River forming the Countys eastern boundary. Imperial County is a major agricultural center producing half of the nations winter vegetables as well as extensive renewable resources such as geothermal wind and solar. Off-road enthusiasts are drawn to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation area and the Colorado River is a popular destination for watersports including fishing boating and water skiing. Fans of the popular movie The Return of the Jedi will recognize the Algodones Sand Dunes where the movie was filmed.