HS Client Benefit Specialist II/III

Ventura County•Ventura, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Human Services (HS) Client Benefit Specialist series performs operational functions related to the determination of eligibility for multiple public assistance and human services programs in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements. This recruitment will be used to fill multiple vacancies within the Human Services Agency. The HS Client Benefit Specialist II is the journey-level classification where incumbents demonstrate working knowledge of eligibility regulations and procedures, can work with general rather than direct supervision, and handle more complex cases in consultation with the HS Client Benefit Specialist IV and/or Supervisor. The HS Client Benefit Specialist III is the advanced journey-level in the classification series. Incumbents assist with complex services under the lead of the HS Client Benefit Specialist IV, demonstrate working knowledge of eligibility requirements and comprehensive knowledge of the programs associated with their primary assignment, and serve as a resource for members of their unit.

Requirements

HS Client Benefit Specialist II: One (1) year of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a public human services agency in the State of California.
HS Client Benefit Specialist III: Two (2) years of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a public human services agency in the State of California.
Beginner proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and email platforms, such as Outlook
Excellent written communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
Experience working in a team environment.
Demonstrated skills in time management and organization.
Experience in a fast-paced, high volume work environment.

Responsibilities

Interview applicants and/or recipients of public assistance programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, General Relief, CalWORKs, and Foster Care to obtain household composition, financial, employment, and personal demographic information to determine initial or continued eligibility.
Explain services, benefits, program requirements and governmental procedures individually and/or in group settings; may provide assistance in the agency resource centers.
Assess financial, personal and social information to determine applicant need, validate the system-determined benefit, and authorize issuance of benefits in a timely manner in accordance with regulatory and system deadlines, and local, state and federal compliance regulations, as well as internal performance standards.
Contact individuals, public and private agencies, businesses, and other resources to verify information by telephone, mail, or home visits.
Process applications, forms and reports, enter case information and record contacts into automated systems, and maintain paper and electronic case files.
Review electronic and hard copy case records to determine basis of eligibility, benefit computation, and compliance with program policies and procedures.
Prepare a variety of written correspondence related to client eligibility, activity, and services provided.
Provide client information to Agency case management staff in various departments, where appropriate, in an integrated, collaborative effort.
Determine need for additional services and provide appropriate referrals and follow-up.
As authorized, represent the Agency on related committees and taskforce groups.
Assist in the training and development of new Client Benefit Specialist employees.
Assist with the more difficult eligibility problems and/or perform special assignments.
Prepare and/or assist in the development of correspondence and reports.
Assist in conducting regular case reviews to ensure compliance with regulations and procedures (CBS III).
Mentor new employees, provide consultation to less experienced employees, and serve as a resource person for co-workers (CBS III).
Provide occasional back-up for co-workers (CBS III).
Assist in development and presentation of training for less experienced personnel (CBS III).
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

General Salary Increases – 3.5% effective December 20, 2026 and December 19, 2027.
Merit Increases – Initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months) assuming work meets satisfactory standards. Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2,080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase.
Educational Incentive – 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
Bilingual Incentive – Based on agency need, proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule – Compressed work schedules (e.g., 9/80 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for most positions subject to organizational needs, satisfactory performance, and completion of a probationary period.
Vacation Accrual – Approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.
Annual Leave Redemption – After 14,560 hours of continuous County service an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
Sick Leave – Full-time regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per bi-weekly pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.
Deferred Compensation – Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. Up to a 3.00% match on 401(k) contributions.
Health Plans – Flexible credit allowance of up to $26,626.86 annually to offset the purchase of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Flexible Spending Accounts – Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental and vision care and/or dependent care expenses.
Pension Plan – Participation in the County's defined benefit pension plan, which has reciprocity with CalPERS.
Holidays – 13 paid days per year, which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
Tuition Reimbursement
Disability Plans
Employee Assistance Program
Life Insurance
Wellness Program