Eligibility Specialist - I

This is a promotional recruitment - only permanent and/or probationary County employees are eligible to apply.

The Human Services division of Health and Human Services Department is seeking to fill several promotional vacancies in Auburn and South Placer locations.

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

To determine eligibility for, or continuation of, designated and specialized client services programs and their respective benefits; to provide administrative and technical support for designated program operations and the provision of services; to track and monitor the continuing quality of services provided and client needs to ensure compliance with program guidelines and regulations; and to function as an integral and supportive member of assigned departmental and multi-disciplinary team(s).

This is the entry level class in the Eligibility Specialist series. This class is distinguished from Eligibility Specialist Trainee by the assignment of entry-level Eligibility Specialist duties whereas the Trainee level is a temporary assignment intended to train and qualify incumbents to eventually promote into the series. This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while performing job tasks.

Receives immediate supervision from supervisory or management staff and may receive technical and functional supervision from an Eligibility Specialist - Senior. 

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

• Interview applicants for and participants in designated client services programs and services; assist applicants in the completion of appropriate applications, financial disclosures, and declaration forms necessary to process application; determine and request necessary verification and data to accurately evaluate the applicant or client’s eligibility, and determine applicant’s/participant’s eligibility for designated program(s).
• Interpret and explain designated program(s) regulations, obligations, procedures, and other pertinent information on an individual basis, in person, by telephone, or in group settings to applicants, participants, and the general public.
• Educate, recommend, and determine initial and continuing eligibility in accordance with established procedures for various assigned programs including verification of reported information and of benefits provided by other jurisdictions; screen applicants/participants to determine eligibility for expedited, expanded, and/or modified services.
• Maintain appropriate and accurate case records, documentation, and files, including performing data entry into automated record systems; monitor and follow-up on due dates; prepare and maintain other documents associated with designated program area(s) and related reporting requirements.
• Recognize the need for and provide referrals to other client services and/or community resources/agencies to assist applicants/participants in identifying and utilizing the resources and services available; establish and maintain liaison with local, private, and public resources to provide continuity of services and awareness of designated program area(s).
• Conduct program orientation and/or information sessions for clients, applicants, vendors, contractors, landlords, employers, and the general public to disseminate accurate information regarding assigned program area(s) and pertinent criteria, regulations, and guidelines.
• Perform specialized functions and tasks in support of assigned program(s) such as processing claims for reimbursement of tenant damages; prepare lease/contract documents; issue certificates, overpayments, vouchers, and checks and make referrals to fraud investigations as necessary; conduct surveys and/or field housing quality inspections relative to compliance standards.
• Make appropriate determinations according to established criteria and assigned program’s regulations; perform calculations to verify mathematical and financial data; initiate appropriate process according to determination.
• When assigned to the WIC program, conduct nutritional and related classes under the direction of a Nutritionist, including determining nutritional goals according to established criteria, and collecting, documenting, and evaluating clinical and dietary information.
• Assist with troubleshooting and the resolving system issues and inconsistencies in information as it relates to the various automated systems used for generating eligibility determinations.
• Perform a variety of administrative support and clerical duties related to assigned program activities to include filing, maintaining records and statistics, word processing, and answering the telephones.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, community agencies and resources, and the public utilizing principles of effective customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

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: 

Successful completion of the training requirements as an Eligibility Specialist – Trainee as determined by the appointing authority.

OR

Two (2) years of journey level clerical experience that includes substantial public contact, interviewing, obtaining financial and personal history information, decision making based on complex rules and regulations, and/or written and financial record keeping.

Training: 

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.  Completion of the equivalent 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 is highly desirable.

Required License or Certificate:

• When assigned to Veteran Services, ability to obtain, within the probationary period, certification from the State of California Department of Veterans Affairs to present claims to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 14.629.
• When assigned to the WIC program, ability to obtain, within the probationary period, certification from the State of California as a WIC Nutrition Assistant.
• 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:

• Techniques of interviewing and information gathering and record keeping practices.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer hardware and software and its applications.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Basic mathematical calculations.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; know, retain, and understand program information; intermittently analyze work papers; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; explain designated and specific regulations and procedures to clients and the general public.
• On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, climb, squat, twist, and reach while retrieving or returning files or making field visits.  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 moderate weight.
• Learn to apply the policies, procedures, and programs of the Health and Human Services Department.
• Learn to apply the laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility for multiple public assistance programs.
• Make referrals to appropriate agencies and programs.
• Learn to detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.
• Make rapid and accurate arithmetic calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Effectively obtain information through interview with a wide variety of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and who may be physically, emotionally, or mentally impaired or distressed; work fairly and courteously with the public.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Plan and prioritize caseload to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness.
• Follow written and oral direction and instructions.
• Handle multiple case assignments and work effectively with interruptions.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action within established guidelines and parameters.
• Use a computer and related software applications.
• Use modern office equipment, such as a calculator, telephone, facsimile machine, and photocopy machine.
• Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

Training & Experience Rating (50%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Online Examination (50%)

The online examination has been tentatively scheduled for the week of 1/20/2025. 

After the posted filing deadline, qualified candidates will receive a notification via email when the examination is available. The online examination may include multiple choice, true/false, fill-in, matching, and/or essay type questions directly related to the required knowledge and abilities for this classification.

Note: Candidates will have approximately three (3) calendar days from the date of notification to complete the online examination. Only one attempt will be permitted.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph), and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification. For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey level) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer, and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, ancestry, religion (including creed and belief), national origin, citizenship, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over),  marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, political orientation, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Preciosa Ayala-Burkhardt, Administrative Technician, at payala@placer.ca.gov or (530) 886-4637.