HS Client Benefit Specialist

Be part of strengthening partnerships and join Ventura County as a HS Client Benefit Specialist!

OUR COUNTY AND COMMUNITYVentura County is located on Californias Gold Coast approximately 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. The County includes 42 miles of coastline which is home to the following cities and points of interest: Camarillo Fillmore Moorpark Ojai Oxnard Port Hueneme Santa Paula Simi Valley Thousand Oaks and Ventura as well as national protected areas such as parts of the Angeles National Forest Channel Islands National Park and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Countys beauty and weather combined with a wonderful quality of life are among the many reasons our residents choose to call Ventura County home.

The County of Ventura employs nearly 10000 staff members who serve Ventura County residents all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives. Each of us has a responsibility to support diversity equity inclusion and belonging in the workplace and in our communities. Our County is proud to have a diverse workforce and providing a respectful and inclusive workplace is a priority and aligns with the Countys values.

THE AGENCY

To learn about the Human Services Agency (HSA) click Who We Are to view a short video about our multiple departments.

HSA is comprised of nearly 1400 staff members who serve approximately a third of Ventura County residents all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives. We value diversity equity and inclusion in the workplace and assist communities by bringing these values into the workforce.

THE POSITION

Under general supervision Human Services (HS) Client Benefit Specialist series performs operational functions related to the determination of eligibility for multiple public assistance and human services programs in accordance with local state and federal requirements. This recruitment will be used to fill multiple vacancies within the Humans Services Agency.

For an Inside Look at being a HS Client Benefit Specialist click HERE to view a short video.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will have public service experience which includes interviewing customers/clients to obtain financial employment and personal demographic information and processing applications to establish eligibility for services and benefits. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent computer skills and the ability to navigate with ease through complex computer systems. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a fast-paced environment will successfully manage a large volume of work with competing priorities and deadlines. Additionally the ideal candidate will excel in collaborating with co-workers at various levels in different departments will be able to work well independently and will have excellent organization attention to detail and time management skills.

Ideal candidates will possess the following competencies:

• Adaptability & Flexibility Responding positively to change and fluidly modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail Accomplishing tasks thoroughly with concern for all elements involved however small
• Business/Technical Expertise Skillfully applying specialized job-related knowledge
• Communication Respectfully delivering pertinent truthful and timely information and comprehending information delivered by others
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Analyzing and evaluating information problems and options with logic and good judgment
• Customer Service Ensuring consistent responsive and superior delivery of services to internal and external stakeholders
• Diversity Inclusion & Belonging Embracing the Countys commitment to valuing individuals with varied backgrounds promoting equal access and opportunity for all and empowering others in their unique strengths
• Information Gathering Proactively obtaining facts and data needed to effectively answer question solve problems or complete projects
• Mathematical Reasoning Performing computations and solving numerical or statistical problems
• Professional Integrity & Ethics Demonstrating high standards of conduct and consistently adhering to sound moral principles
• Reading Comprehension understanding analyzing and applying written information
• Relationship Building Developing and maintaining stable mutually beneficial networks of cooperation among clients coworkers vendors and other organizations
• Results Focus Initiating tasks meeting organizational goals and committing to proficient accomplishment
• Self-Management Exemplifying personal organization dependability and self-discipline
• Technology Utilization Effectively and efficiently using electronic hardware software applications and other advanced tools to accomplish tasks and goals

WHAT WE OFFER

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. Aside from our base salary range an employee in this position may also be eligible for the following:

• Pension Plan- Participation in the Countys defined pension plan which has reciprocity with CalPERS.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the Countys 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Educational Incentive -An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associates degree 3.5% for completion of a bachelors degree OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
• Bilingual Incentive Based on agency needproficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I) $1.00 per hour (Level II) or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
• Merit Increases New employees are eligible for an initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1040 hours (approximately 6 months) assuming work meets satisfactory standards. Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase.
• Flexible Workweek We support work life balance by offering compressed work (e.g. 9/80 workweek) subject to organizational needs satisfactory performance and completion of a probationary period.
• Vacation Accrual New regular full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase atand 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.
• Sick Leave - Full time regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per bi-weekly pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.
• Health PlansFull-time employees are given a flexible credit allowance of up to $26626.86 annually to offset the purchase of medical dental and/or vision insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Employee only - $463.99 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus one dependent - $834.32 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus family - $1024.11 per biweekly pay period
• Flexible Spending Accounts-Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical dental and vision care and/or dependent care expenses.
• Annual Leave Redemption After 14560 hours of continuous County service an employee may elect to cash in or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
• Holidays- 13 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Additional Benefits -Tuition Reimbursement Disability Plans Employee Assistance Program Life Insurance Wellness Program.
• To learn more about the benefits please follow the link: SEIU MOU 2025-2029

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Each successive level in the HS Client Benefit Specialist series is distinguished by scope of independence and responsibility. The level of position within the series is commensurate with the complexity of the tasks assigned within the discipline. Incumbents may perform work determining eligibility in multiple programs within the department and may also be reassigned to serve in other units or offices as needed by the department.

HS Client Benefit Specialist Trainee - $23.00 hourly: is a classroom and on-the-job training level in which the emphasis is on learning the basic regulatory and statutory requirements. Incumbents are hired at the Trainee level and work under direct supervision while learning the necessary policies and processes for success as a Client Benefit Specialist (CBS) employee. As a CBS Trainee employees are given smaller caseloads and 100% of their work is reviewed. As employees progress through training the caseload increases and the percentage of work reviewed decreases based on individual performance. Upon successful completion of the training program employees will transition to working in an assigned office. Incumbents are expected to progress toward competency as a HS Client Benefit Specialist I upon completion of the initial training period.

HS Client Benefit Specialist I - $26.23 - $27.62 hourly: is the first level in the classification series in which the emphasis is on learning casework methods eligibility procedures regulations and policies. Incumbents carry a caseload under close supervision and are expected to progress toward competency as a HS Client Benefit Specialist II.

HS Client Benefit Specialist II - $28.99 - $30.37 hourly:is the journey-level classification in which incumbents demonstrate working knowledge of eligibility regulations and procedures are able to work with general rather than direct supervision and handle more complex cases in consultation with the HS Client Benefit Specialist IV and/or Supervisor.

HS Client Benefit Specialist III - $30.37 - $33.34 hourly: is the advanced journey-level in the classification series. Incumbents assist with complex services under the lead of the HS Client Benefit Specialist IV demonstrate working knowledge of eligibility requirements and comprehensive knowledge of the programs associated with their primary assignment and serve as a resource for members of their unit

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Interview applicants and/or recipients of public assistance programs such as Medi-Cal CalFresh General Relief CalWORKs and Foster Care to obtain household composition financial employment and personal demographic information to determine initial or continued eligibility.
• Explain services benefits program requirements and governmental procedures individually and/or in group settings; may provide assistance in the agency resource centers.
• Assess financial personal and social information to determine applicant need validate the system-determined benefit and authorize issuance of benefits in a timely manner in accordance with regulatory and system deadlines and local state and federal compliance regulations as well as internal performance standards.
• Contact individuals public and private agencies businesses and other resources to verify information by telephone mail or home visits.
• Process applications forms and reports enter case information and record contacts into automated systems and maintain paper and electronic case files.
• Review electronic and hard copy case records to determine basis of eligibility benefit computation compliance with program policies and procedures.
• Prepare a variety of written correspondence related to client eligibility activity and services provided.
• Provide client information to Agency case management staff in various departments where appropriate in an integrated collaborative effort.
• Determine need for additional services and provide appropriate referrals and follow-up.
• As authorized represent the Agency on related committees and taskforce groups.
• Assist in the training and development of new Client Benefit Specialist employees (CBS II/III).
• Assist with the more difficult eligibility problems and/or perform special assignments (CBS II/III).
• Prepare and/or assist in the development of correspondence and reports (CBS II/III).
• Assist in conducting regular case reviews to assure compliance with regulations and procedures (CBS III).
• Mentor new employees provide consultation to less experienced employees and serve as a resource person for co-workers (CBS III).
• Provide occasional back-up for co-workers (CBS III).
• Assist in development and presentation of training for less experienced personnel (CBS III).
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION TRAINING and EXPERIENCE

HS Client Benefit Specialist Trainee: At least two years of responsible experience that includes substantial work involving public contact interviewing math computations completion of complex forms or eliciting information from the public (some examples of comparable experience may include experience within a call center personnel office employment office unemployment office disability insurance office workers compensation office social security office physicians office insurance firm social service agency clerical or similar): OR Completion of college coursework may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis (30 semester or 45 quarter units per year of experience).

HS Client Benefit Specialist I:Successful completion of at least three (3) to five and a half (5.5) months as a HS Client Benefit Specialist (CBS) Trainee; OR at least six (6) months of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a public human services agency or comparable case management experience.

HS Client Benefit Specialist II: One (1) year of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a public human services agency in the State of California at the CBS I level.

HS Client Benefit Specialist III: Two (2) years of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a public human services agency in the State of California at the CBS I/II level.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Beginner proficiency in Microsoft Word Excel and email platforms such as Outlook
• Excellent written communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
• Some positions may requirepossession of or the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver license prior to appointment.
• May require flexible schedules including evenings at designated service locations to ensure adequate staffing coverage during extended hours to accommodate customer needs.

DESIRED

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Demonstrated skills in time management and organization.
• Experience in a fast-paced high volume work environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in an office environment but may require visits to other organizations agencies and departments private businesses client homes or work locations; and will require direct meetings with the public co-located and external program partners and other community groups. Work locations work schedules and work units will vary and may change as needed according to business needs and at the discretion of management. Worksite reassignments may occur due to changes in facilities or other operational requirements within the business.

COUNTY EMPLOYEES AS DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

When a disaster strikes of natural or man-made origin Ventura County employees may be called upon to provide service to the community by assisting in emergency response efforts. This may require employees to work in other locations different hours and out of class. At the time of hire all County employees will be required to sign an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Disaster Service Workers and Public Employees (Sections 3102 and 3103 Government Code of California).

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura California no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday September 28 2026.To apply online please refer to our website at If you prefer to fill out a paper application form please call for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources 800 South Victoria Avenue L-1970 Ventura CA 93009.

Information for Transfer Candidates:If presently permanently employed in another merit or civil service public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a merit or civil service style examination then appointment by Lateral Transfer may be possible. If interested please click here for additional information.

Note: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the recruitment and hiring process to assist in determining qualifications for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the examination process.

WRITTENEXAMINATION - 100%: An un-proctored internet-based job-related written exam will be conducted to evaluate participating candidates knowledge of Reading Comprehension Language Skills Interpersonal Skills and Math Skills for successful performance on the job. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

VETERANS POINTS: This is a trainee/entry level classification and Veterans Points may apply to eligible applicants. Documentation of military service must be submitted prior to close of recruitment in order to receive points.

ELIGIBLE LIST: Applicants successfully completing the exam process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of six (6) months.The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future Regular Temporary Fixed-Term Intermittent and Extra-help vacancies within the Human Services Agency.

NOTE: If appointed at the lower level incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements demonstrating satisfactory performance and in accordance with the business needs of the department. Formal assignment to the higher level is at the discretion and approval of management.

SELECTION INTERVIEW:When a position becomes available applicants are referred to the employing department for interviews beginning with the highest scoring applicants moving down the list from the top until the available positions are filled.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment education criminal background information and driving record is required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to 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.

RECRUITER CONTACT INFORMATION:For further information about this recruitment please contact Sarah Garcia by email at or by telephone at .