Eligibility Specialist II

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.

ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST II - $21.54 - $26.18
The 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 RECEIVED
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.

Typical duties of an Eligibility Specialist: Acting as the first contact for individuals seeking public assistance; interviewing applicants and recipients to obtain and verify information needed to determine initial and/or ongoing eligibility for public assistance. This often requires obtaining information in difficult and/or emotional situations on issues such as earnings and financial obligations and/or parental status and living arrangements and maintaining control of the interview if the client becomes hostile or angry over the interview questions; learning numerous state and federal program regulations and specific county practices through intensive training prior to full case assignment and ongoing training thereafter.

An Eligibility Specialist is not responsible for working with clients to attempt to resolve their personal or social problems they are responsible to verify and grant eligibility for public assistance. Eligibility Specialists are expected to handle a high volume of deadline driven work which requires them to keep up to date on changes in rules laws procedures etc. that effect processing timelines. Applicants must be able to prioritize plan and project their work but at the same time be flexible to changes at any moment such as unscheduled visits from customers.
It is important to understand that the actions you take as an Eligibility Specialist affect the lives of clients and their families.

Controversial Issues: As an Eligibility Specialist you may be required to take actions that conflict with your own values. An Eligibility Specialist must be able to accept customers differences and interact with them in a non-judgmental manner.

Ideal Candidate: The 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.

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.

• 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
Written Examination Weighted 100%

The written examination will consist of a multiple choice in-person written exam with the following (Identify number of test sections) three (3) test sections:

1. Data Analysis and Math
2. Workplace Issues
3. Grammar and Proofreading
4. Reading Comprehension

To obtain a position on the eligible list candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.

It is anticipated that the examination will be held during (January2026). Competitors who do not complete the written examination will be disqualified.

Eligible List Information

A departmental open eligible list 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.

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 10 years from 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.