Eligibility Specialist I/II (Burney Office)

County of Shasta (CA)•Redding, CA

51d

About The Position

Determines the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs through interactive interviewing and fact gathering; maintains current knowledge of program regulations and procedures necessary for multi-program caseload administration; initiates and processes casework through an automated system; identifies needs and makes appropriate referrals for health, social, and/or employment services; and performs related work as required. The person filling this position will work in Burney California, but initial training will be held in Redding California; training may last as long as three months. All travel and transportation costs will be the employee's responsibility.

Requirements

Possession of a valid California driver's license.
Eligibility Specialist I: Two (2) years of experience performing clerical duties; OR One (1) year of experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment, or veterans' benefits, or publicly or privately funded health, counseling or social services; OR Completion of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter college units.
Eligibility Specialist II: One (1) year of full-time experience performing duties of the Eligibility Specialist I with Shasta County.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Performs interactive interviews in person or via the telephone 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 public assistance programs
Explains regulations, rules, and policies to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities, and eligibility for participation
Ensures accuracy and completion of application and declaration forms
Resolves discrepancies by securing documentation, medical records, and confirmation from other agencies
Initiates a total-household assistance case
Enters and retrieves numerical and narrative data, and issues benefits from automated computer systems
Determines the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex computations and/or computer entries and then analyzes 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 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 the 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
Prepares correspondence and reports
Participates in special projects, studies, work assignments, and committees
Performs related duties as assigned