Placer County

To plan, organize, direct, and supervise public aid eligibility determination operations; to interpret and explain a variety of rules, regulations, and policies; to resolve difficult eligibility issues; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

The Eligibility Supervisor level recognizes positions that perform full, first‑line supervisory responsibilities including planning, assigning, and evaluating the work of subordinates and are responsible for a program area within a work unit or department.

Receives general direction from higher level professional or management staff.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned technical and clerical personnel.

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

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of unit goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for the Health and Human Services Department; implement policies and procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff involved in the determination or continuation of designated and specialized client services programs and their respective benefits.
• Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Provide technical assistance to eligibility workers regarding interpretation of rules, regulations, and policies, and resolution of difficult issues with eligibility software applications.
• Assist eligibility staff in identifying clients or situations appropriate for referral to social services, other County departments, or outside agencies. Authorize and sign checks for cash aid programs.
• Assist in the interpretation of regulations.
• Meet with subordinate staff members to discuss and interpret departmental rules, regulations, and polices; confer with assigned staff concerning the more difficult eligibility determinations; review the quantity and quality of work performed by assigned staff; interpret and explain provisions of applicable regulations.
• Perform the most difficult and complex work in determining and resolving eligibility determinations and troubleshooting system issues.
• Keep current regarding changes in regulations pertaining to eligibility determination and continuation and ensure staff is trained on such regulations.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: 

One (1) year of experience performing duties similar to an Eligibility Specialist – Senior with Placer County.

OR

Three (3) years of experience in eligibility determination performing duties similar to an Eligibility Specialist II with Placer County.

Training: 

Equivalent to the completion of thirty (30) semester units in social services, sociology, social work, psychology, behavioral science, business or public administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of eligibility determination in social service aid programs.
• Equipment and materials used in eligibility determination including automated information systems and instructional tools.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluations.
• Interviewing principles and techniques.
• Case management and legal requirements affecting the processing of eligibility cases.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment and related software applications.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Various public aid/service programs and community resources.
• Pertinent local, state and federal laws, ordinances, rules and court decisions.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Methods for training employees in work procedures.
• Advanced principles and practices of customer service.
• Basic mathematical calculations.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; understand, retain, and explain complex program information; intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures; explain eligibility regulations and procedures to clients and the general public.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, climb, squat, twist, and reach while retrieving or returning files.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see with sufficient acuity to read characters on computer screen; hear and speak with sufficient acuity to communicate with clients; and lift light weight.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Organize, implement, and direct eligibility determination operations/activities.
• Interpret and explain pertinent County and department policies and procedures.
• Use a computer and required software applications.
• Use modern office equipment, such as a calculator, telephone, facsimile machine, and photocopy machine.
• Apply principles of customer service.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.