Eligibility Worker II (#RS0102)
$24.89-$30.25 Hourly / $4,313.74-$5,243.38 Monthly / $51,764.95-$62,920.62 Yearly

Under general supervision, performs technical work in the determination of initial and continuing eligibility for one or more public assistance programs in accordance with established procedures and regulations; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the journey level class in the Eligibility Worker series. Incumbents in this class are responsible for processing complex and routine applications for public assistance and maintaining a continuous program of eligibility review. Incumbents manage client caseloads and work within state, federal and County policies, laws and regulations.

• Gathers, evaluates, and verifies financial, personal and social information of clients to determine eligibility and benefit levels for one or more public assistance programs; initiates and processes casework through various automated systems. 
• Interviews applicants and recipients (scheduled or unscheduled) in person, by telephone or at a client’s home; reviews applications and forms to ensure information provided is accurate and complete; verifies information; maintains case records. 
• Assists clients by explaining program eligibility requirements; completes required forms; explains client responsibilities; and makes referrals to other community resources. 
• Applies federal and state regulations to determine eligibility for public assistance programs; maintains current knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures for public assistance programs. 
• Determines the correct amount of benefit or assistance; explains eligibility determination to clients and applicants. 
• Initiates appropriate disposition of cases; approves, denies, transfers, or terminates client public assistance programs; authorizes benefits within specific guidelines or makes appropriate referrals for immediate services and assistance; authorizes emergency assistance as necessary. 
• Coordinates with other agencies or individuals involved in cases; acts as liaison between clients and other counties; coordinates with other units in the department; upon authorization, supplies information to other agencies and client representatives; directs clients to other offices or agencies for assistance as appropriate. 
• Attends and participates in meetings and training programs; maintains knowledge of current policies, procedures, regulations, and departmental organization and community resources. 
• Works with staff to resolve issues; provides coverage as needed.

Experience: One year of experience equivalent to an Eligibility Worker I in San Joaquin County service. This experience must have been in a California county public assistance program within the last five years.

Laws, rules, and regulations governing the administration of public assistance programs; standard office practices and procedures; personal computer systems and general office computer software; customer service principles and practices; techniques for interviewing and gathering information from a diverse population; filing and record keeping systems; language mechanics; correspondence and report formats; arithmetical operations related to calculating program assistance; community resources.

Follow oral and written instructions, utilize supervision; maintain case records and documents; analyze and evaluate situations accurately; determine appropriate course of action in emergency or stressful situations; accurately enter data into automated systems; operate computers and related software and apply computer applications to departmental functions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; manage client caseloads; identify and refer clients to other resources; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, the general public, and with culturally diverse or economically disadvantaged clients; accurately perform basic arithmetical operations; read, understand, interpret and apply complex federal, state and County public assistance laws, regulations, guidelines and other information; identify and report potential fraudulent situations.

Mobility-Frequent operation of a data entry device; constant sitting for extended periods; occasional pushing, pulling, reaching, grasping, bending, squatting, climbing; occasional driving; Lifting-Frequently 5 pounds or less; Vision-Constant good overall vision; reading and close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity-Normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motions; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing of normal speech and hearing/talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/Psychological-Occasional exposure to grief; exercise sound judgment, especially under stressful and emergency situations; frequent public contact and decision making; frequent concentration required; Special Requirements-Some assignments may require working overtime, weekends/nights; working alone; Environmental-Occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.