Eligibility Worker I

Description

Under close supervision, to receive classroom and on-the-job training in managing a caseload comprised of clients receiving assistance through one or more public assistance programs and private healthcare plans listed under the California Healthcare Exchange. To obtain, verify, analyze, evaluate and update financial, personal and social information from applicants and clients of one or more public assistance programs to determine eligibility for benefits and to assist individuals by reviewing and informing clients of available private healthcare plans listed under the California Healthcare Exchange.

This is a trainee-level position within the Eligibility Worker series. Successful candidates must satisfactorily complete six months of training, tentatively scheduled to begin in March 2022, before promoting to Eligibility Worker II. If training is not satisfactorily completed, the trainee will be released from County employment. Absence during the six-month training will jeopardize the completion of the program, therefore, vacations will NOT be approved during the training period.

Those with cultural competency in serving persons with diverse backgrounds, or bilingual skills, are encouraged to apply (especially: Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Farsi, Russian, Cambodian, Arabic, and others). Applicants referred for a specific language skill must successfully pass the bilingual certification exam to demonstrate proficiency in Reading, Writing, and Speaking in both English and the second language prior to hiring into a bilingual position.

Bilingual assignments and office locations are based on business needs.

NOTE: Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take the online examination tentatively scheduled for 11/16/2021 through 11/22/2021.

Typical Tasks

For purposes of training/learning:
Learns to analyze, evaluate and verify financial, personal and social information to determine eligibility and benefit levels for public assistance programs and follows Federal and State guidelines to assist individuals by reviewing and informing clients of available private healthcare plans listed under the California Healthcare Exchange;

Learns to review and comply with court orders and legal filings;

Computes financial budgets and evaluates clients’ benefits using required data and case management systems; initiates and updates budget, records and other documents subject to approval and authorization by supervisor or trainer;

Makes data entries and reviews, reads and interprets computer printouts and/or information on computer screens and learns to utilize handbooks to rectify data inconsistencies and inaccuracies;

Organizes workload so that necessary records and documents are processed and updated in accordance with departmental and program deadlines and regulations, and is responsible for the quantity and quality of assigned work;

Reviews program materials and keeps abreast of and implements changes involving programs, regulations, policies and procedures, and systems;

Contacts individuals, public and private agencies, businesses and other sources to verify eligibility data or to clarify documentation discrepancies or gaps in information;

Interviews applicants and clients by phone or in person; obtains personal and financial information, assists with completion of forms, and obtains required verifications to determine potential program eligibility;

Documents information received, such as determinations, referrals and requests made, agreements and supplementary comments;

Learns to recognize problems that may require referrals and makes referrals to departmental social services programs or to other services or agencies;

Determines whether overpayments and/or over issuances are recoupable or ineligible for collection, and assists in collection when recoupable;

Reviews and/or determines eligibility for vendor payment issuance;

Learns to implement program regulations, policies and procedures for applicants and clients;

May conduct field visits to obtain or verify eligibility data, upon request;

May attend trainings, staff and workgroup meetings;

Testifies at hearings and in court, as needed;

Acts as a Mandated Reporter as required by County and/or State policies;

May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;

Performs other related duties as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities are obtained through training and experience equivalent to possession of a high school diploma;

AND

One (1) year of clerical work or customer relations experience, which includes six (6) months of public contact and interviewing to obtain financial and/or personal data.

Some positions may require the possession of a valid California Driver’s License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

Knowledge of:
Basic public contact skills and techniques of interviewing;

Standard office procedures and practices;

Goals of public assistance programs.

Ability to:
Learn how to read and interpret computer documents;

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;

Reason logically and accurately, learn to work independently or in a team;

Interview effectively with people in difficult circumstances of deprivation or emotional distress to elicit personal and financial information;

Learn to assess family relationships and situations;

Determine clients’ needs and make appropriate referrals;

Effectively and accurately utilize required data and case management systems to determine program eligibility;

Keep informed and adapt quickly to changes relating to agency program rules, policies and regulations;

Accurately gather, record and evaluate information necessary to determine eligibility for public assistance programs; follow State guidelines to assist individuals by reviewing and informing clients of available private healthcare plans listed under the California Healthcare Exchange, if requested;

Understand and accurately follow complex instructions and procedures;

Establish and maintain accurate records and documentation;

Perform mathematical calculations;

Organize workload so that records and documents are completed and updated within required strict time limits and deadlines;

Establish and maintain effective, courteous and harmonious working relationships with staff members and the public of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.