Family Services Representative I/II (Merced Only) (Full Time & Extra-Help)

CalHR•Merced or Atwater, CA

About The Position

Under supervision, performs intake and ongoing case management tasks, using automated systems for in-depth interviews and fact finding to determine eligibility and authorize benefits for public assistance programs. Identifies clients who may need health, social, or employment services and refers them to staff or community resources. Performs other related duties as assigned. The Family Services Representative I is an entry-level trainee classification, working under close supervision and participating in formal classroom training. The Family Services Representative II is the journey-level classification, carrying a moderately difficult caseload, interacting frequently with clients, and making independent decisions on most eligibility and benefits matters. This recruitment is for Merced County and includes full-time and extra-help opportunities. Applicants who qualify for both levels must complete separate examinations, passing the Representative I examination before proceeding to the Representative II examination. A score of at least 70% is required for placement on the eligible list. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Family Services Representative I, Option I: One year of full-time experience as an Eligibility Specialist Trainee in an Interagency Merit System county.
Family Services Representative I, Option II: One year of full-time experience determining eligibility for health programs, loans, financial assistance, unemployment, or other benefits, and two years of clerical work involving public contact.
Family Services Representative I, Option III: Two years of full-time experience determining eligibility for health programs, loans, financial assistance, unemployment, or other benefits.
Family Services Representative I, Option IV: Four years of full-time clerical work involving public contact, interviewing, mathematical computations, form completion, or eliciting information from the public.
Family Services Representative I, Option V: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Qualifying education and experience may be combined; 15 semester units or 22.5 quarter units equal six months of experience.
Family Services Representative II, Option I: One year of full-time employment equivalent to a Family Services Representative I.
Family Services Representative II, Option II: Two years of full-time experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs in a public human services agency.
Knowledge of public social service program goals, eligibility rules and procedures, case management, interviewing and fact-finding, verification resources, office procedures and equipment, recordkeeping, business mathematics, automated systems, customer service, and cultural and human behavior.
Ability to investigate and gather information in difficult or emotional circumstances; organize a caseload; use computer systems and office equipment; apply eligibility laws and regulations; communicate effectively in standard English; interpret complex correspondence, reports, regulations, and directives; maintain accurate records; follow complex instructions; prioritize work in a fast-paced office; and establish cooperative working relationships.
Applicants using education to meet minimum qualifications must attach transcripts to their applications. Foreign transcripts require an evaluation showing equivalent units.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the start date.
Applicants must have integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively, and health consistent with performing the duties. A medical examination and background investigation may be required.
Must successfully pass the applicable Training & Experience Examination with a minimum score of 70% to be placed on the eligible list.

Responsibilities

Learn public assistance programs and case processing and management.
Analyze financial and eligibility information and calculate or determine benefit levels.
Conduct in-person or telephone interviews to obtain eligibility information.
Communicate with clients and others while maintaining confidentiality.
Explain program rules, policies, client rights, responsibilities, and eligibility.
Authorize benefits and notices of action; generate appointment letters and other required documentation and correspondence.
Monitor ongoing eligibility by obtaining updated information and taking appropriate action.
Issue benefits through an automated computer system.
Work with clients from diverse backgrounds without discrimination.
Identify needs for additional services and make referrals to staff or community resources.
Organize and prioritize a caseload and ensure case records and documents are processed and updated within required time limits.
Operate multiple computer systems and other modern office equipment.
Learn procedures and programs, analyze data, interpret policies and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and County regulations.
Perform duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately.
Maintain regular attendance.