CalHR
Eligibility Specialist classifications determine the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs through interactive interviewing and fact gathering; maintain current knowledge of program regulations and procedures necessary for multi-program caseload administration; initiate and process casework through automated systems; identify needs and make appropriate referrals for health, social, and/or employment services; and perform related work as required.
ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST II - $21.54 - $26.18
The Eligibility Specialist II is the journey-level classification in the Eligibility Specialist series. Incumbents demonstrate working knowledge of eligibility regulations, procedures and eligibility software systems. Eligibility Specialist II incumbents handle more complex tasks and/or caseloads independently with consultation as needed by Eligibility Specialist IIIs or Eligibility Supervisors. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level or if filled from the outside, require prior experience as an Eligibility Specialist, Eligibility Worker or comparable position.
The class of Eligibility Specialist II is distinguished from the Eligibility Specialist I as the latter requires a higher level of consultation and supervision and is working toward achieving a working knowledge of program rules and regulations. The Eligibility Specialist II class is distinguished from the Eligibility Specialist III in that the latter class is assigned lead specialist duties or special assignments with a greater degree of independent judgment.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Incumbents in the Eligibility Specialist I and II classifications typically receive supervision from an Eligibility Supervisor and may receive lead direction from an Eligibility Specialist III.
Typical duties of an Eligibility Specialist: Acting as the first contact for individuals seeking public assistance; interviewing applicants and recipients to obtain and verify information needed to determine initial and/or ongoing eligibility for public assistance. This often requires obtaining information in difficult and/or emotional situations on issues such as earnings and financial obligations and/or parental status and living arrangements and maintaining control of the interview if the client becomes hostile or angry over the interview questions; learning numerous state and federal program regulations and specific county practices through intensive training prior to full case assignment and ongoing training thereafter.
An Eligibility Specialist is not responsible for working with clients to attempt to resolve their personal or social problems; they are responsible to verify and grant eligibility for public assistance. Eligibility Specialists are expected to handle a high volume of deadline driven work which requires them to keep up to date on changes in rules, laws, procedures, etc. that effect processing timelines. Applicants must be able to prioritize, plan and project their work, but at the same time be flexible to changes at any moment, such as unscheduled visits from customers.
It is important to understand that the actions you take as an Eligibility Specialist affect the lives of clients and their families.
Controversial Issues: As an Eligibility Specialist, you may be required to take actions that conflict with your own values. An Eligibility Specialist must be able to accept customers' differences and interact with them in a non-judgmental manner.
Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate for this position will have a 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.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Performs interactive interviews 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 aid programs
Explains regulations, rules and policies to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for participation in various public assistance programs and services
Ensures accuracy and completion of application and declaration forms
Resolves discrepancies by securing documentation, medical records and confirmation from other agencies
Enters and retrieves numerical and narrative data and issues benefits from an automated computer system
Determines the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex computations and/or computer entries and then analyzing 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 (APTC) 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 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
Makes referrals to social service workers as needed
Participates in special projects, studies, work assignments and committees
Prepares correspondence and reports
Performs related duties as assigned
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of:
General goals and purpose of public social services programs
Laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing eligibility for diverse public assistance programs and related case administrative techniques
Methods and techniques of conducting an investigative interview and information gathering
Computer terminology and computer keyboard arrangement
Modern office practices, methods and procedures
Record keeping practices and procedures
Principles of mathematical calculations
Intricacies of health insurance plans, medical health plan options and associated terminology
Regulations and rules regarding household filing status related to the Affordable Care Act
Cultural and human behavior, including knowledge of self, to interact effectively with clients and staff
Principles and practices of effective customer service
Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project and task coordination
Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information and/or prepare documentation
Ability to:
Apply the policies, procedures and programs of the County Social Services Department
Apply the laws, rules and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple public assistance programs and the case administration of these programs
Identify available resources and communicate with others to obtain and verify information concerning eligibility
Use fact finding techniques and perform in-depth and interactive interviewing
Determine appropriate course of action in emergency situations
Make referrals to appropriate agencies and social service programs
Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations
Analyze and interpret written, numerical and verbal data from various sources
Utilize multiple electronic information, social services systems and analyze and interpret such information
Enter and maintain data accurately and timely into a computerized system
Navigate through computer screens and effectively use computer systems, software applications and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
Identify when computer output is incorrect and make corrections
Process cases manually as required
Plan and organize caseload to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness
Function effectively in a system with strict deadlines and constant changes
Read, understand, apply and explain complicated and detailed correspondence, reports, regulations and policy directives
Perform a variety of mathematical computations accurately and rapidly
Prepare clear, concise and accurate records and reports
Explain complex rules and programs so they can be understood by people of diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds
Gather, record and correctly evaluate tax filing data, income and additional necessary information required for the determination of eligibility for one or more programs
Explain health insurance plan options and plan details available to clients through the Affordable Care Act
Review a variety of tax documents to obtain needed household filing information
Explain health care reform tax credit implications to clients
Refer clients to other community services as needed
Assess and manage difficult and hostile persons or situations; or call for intervention when appropriate
Interact with people in a courteous manner in person, on the telephone, by mail or email
Work in a fast-paced, professional office environment and prioritize a wide range of duties with varying time requirements to ensure timely completion
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff
Follow written and oral directions and instructions
One (1) year full time experience in an Eligibility Specialist I classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) County;
OR
Two (2) years of full time experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs in a public human services agency.
Examination Information The written examination will consist of a multiple choice in-person written exam with the following three (3) test sections:
Data Analysis and Math
Workplace Issues
Grammar and Proofreading
Reading Comprehension
To obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.
It is anticipated that the examination will be held during January 2026. Competitors who do not complete the written examination will be disqualified.
Eligible List Information A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Tehama. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.
Retest Period Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for six (6) months from the established eligibility date.
Special Testing Arrangements Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at mssprogram@calhr.ca.gov or 916-909-3701 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.
Education Documents If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
General Information This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
Benefits
Represented by the Joint Council bargaining unit.
96 hours of vacation per year, increasing upon continuous years of service.
96 hours of sick leave per year.
14 paid holidays plus one 8-hour personal holiday.
CalPERS retirement plan, 8% employee contribution.
The County pays approximately 80% of premium for medical, dental, and vision plan (including a $30,000 life insurance plan for employee). For the employee and entire family, the current employee's share of the insurance plan is $234.54 per month.
Annual salary step increase based upon satisfactory performance and completion of 2,080 hours (Steps A to E).
Deferred compensation plan with the County matching the employee's deposit, up to $60 per month.
Supplemental insurance plans are available.
Employee Assistance Program is provided to all employees at no cost by the County.
Additional Information ADA/EEO/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE. As a condition of employment Tehama County Social Services will require: A valid driver's license will be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Proof of ability to work in the United States. Pre-employment drug testing and physical. Government agencies accessing US government information, which include federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent to the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information. A background check may be required if the position requires access to these types of records. Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification and local law enforcement checks. State agencies must conduct investigation during time of hire and ensure a reinvestigation is conducted 10 years from the date of the previous background investigation for each employee that has access to federal tax information.
About Tehama County Beautiful Tehama County is in the heart of northern California, midway between Sacramento and the Oregon border. Based on the shores of the Sacramento River and in the shadows of Mount Lassen, Tehama County boasts some of the lowest housing costs in California along with short commute times to work. The County is home to a myriad of recreational activities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Eligibility Specialist II is the journey-level classification in the Eligibility Specialist series. Incumbents demonstrate working knowledge of eligibility regulations, procedures and eligibility software systems. Eligibility Specialist II incumbents handle more complex tasks and/or caseloads independently with consultation as needed by Eligibility Specialist IIIs or Eligibility Supervisors. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level or if filled from the outside, require prior experience as an Eligibility Specialist, Eligibility Worker or comparable position.
The class of Eligibility Specialist II is distinguished from the Eligibility Specialist I as the latter requires a higher level of consultation and supervision and is working toward achieving a working knowledge of program rules and regulations. The Eligibility Specialist II class is distinguished from the Eligibility Specialist III in that the latter class is assigned lead specialist duties or special assignments with a greater degree of independent judgment.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Incumbents in the Eligibility Specialist I and II classifications typically receive supervision from an Eligibility Supervisor and may receive lead direction from an Eligibility Specialist III.
Typical duties of an Eligibility Specialist: Acting as the first contact for individuals seeking public assistance; interviewing applicants and recipients to obtain and verify information needed to determine initial and/or ongoing eligibility for public assistance. This often requires obtaining information in difficult and/or emotional situations on issues such as earnings and financial obligations and/or parental status and living arrangements and maintaining control of the interview if the client becomes hostile or angry over the interview questions; learning numerous state and federal program regulations and specific county practices through intensive training prior to full case assignment and ongoing training thereafter.
An Eligibility Specialist is not responsible for working with clients to attempt to resolve their personal or social problems; they are responsible to verify and grant eligibility for public assistance. Eligibility Specialists are expected to handle a high volume of deadline driven work which requires them to keep up to date on changes in rules, laws, procedures, etc. that effect processing timelines. Applicants must be able to prioritize, plan and project their work, but at the same time be flexible to changes at any moment, such as unscheduled visits from customers.
It is important to understand that the actions you take as an Eligibility Specialist affect the lives of clients and their families.
Controversial Issues: As an Eligibility Specialist, you may be required to take actions that conflict with your own values. An Eligibility Specialist must be able to accept customers' differences and interact with them in a non-judgmental manner.
Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate for this position will have a 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.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Performs interactive interviews 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 aid programs
Explains regulations, rules and policies to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for participation in various public assistance programs and services
Ensures accuracy and completion of application and declaration forms
Resolves discrepancies by securing documentation, medical records and confirmation from other agencies
Enters and retrieves numerical and narrative data and issues benefits from an automated computer system
Determines the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex computations and/or computer entries and then analyzing 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 (APTC) 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 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
Makes referrals to social service workers as needed
Participates in special projects, studies, work assignments and committees
Prepares correspondence and reports
Performs related duties as assigned
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of:
General goals and purpose of public social services programs
Laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing eligibility for diverse public assistance programs and related case administrative techniques
Methods and techniques of conducting an investigative interview and information gathering
Computer terminology and computer keyboard arrangement
Modern office practices, methods and procedures
Record keeping practices and procedures
Principles of mathematical calculations
Intricacies of health insurance plans, medical health plan options and associated terminology
Regulations and rules regarding household filing status related to the Affordable Care Act
Cultural and human behavior, including knowledge of self, to interact effectively with clients and staff
Principles and practices of effective customer service
Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project and task coordination
Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information and/or prepare documentation
Ability to:
Apply the policies, procedures and programs of the County Social Services Department
Apply the laws, rules and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple public assistance programs and the case administration of these programs
Identify available resources and communicate with others to obtain and verify information concerning eligibility
Use fact finding techniques and perform in-depth and interactive interviewing
Determine appropriate course of action in emergency situations
Make referrals to appropriate agencies and social service programs
Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations
Analyze and interpret written, numerical and verbal data from various sources
Utilize multiple electronic information, social services systems and analyze and interpret such information
Enter and maintain data accurately and timely into a computerized system
Navigate through computer screens and effectively use computer systems, software applications and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
Identify when computer output is incorrect and make corrections
Process cases manually as required
Plan and organize caseload to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness
Function effectively in a system with strict deadlines and constant changes
Read, understand, apply and explain complicated and detailed correspondence, reports, regulations and policy directives
Perform a variety of mathematical computations accurately and rapidly
Prepare clear, concise and accurate records and reports
Explain complex rules and programs so they can be understood by people of diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds
Gather, record and correctly evaluate tax filing data, income and additional necessary information required for the determination of eligibility for one or more programs
Explain health insurance plan options and plan details available to clients through the Affordable Care Act
Review a variety of tax documents to obtain needed household filing information
Explain health care reform tax credit implications to clients
Refer clients to other community services as needed
Assess and manage difficult and hostile persons or situations; or call for intervention when appropriate
Interact with people in a courteous manner in person, on the telephone, by mail or email
Work in a fast-paced, professional office environment and prioritize a wide range of duties with varying time requirements to ensure timely completion
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff
Follow written and oral directions and instructions
One (1) year full time experience in an Eligibility Specialist I classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) County;
OR
Two (2) years of full time experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs in a public human services agency.
Examination Information The written examination will consist of a multiple choice in-person written exam with the following three (3) test sections:
Data Analysis and Math
Workplace Issues
Grammar and Proofreading
Reading Comprehension
To obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.
It is anticipated that the examination will be held during January 2026. Competitors who do not complete the written examination will be disqualified.
Eligible List Information A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Tehama. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.
Retest Period Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for six (6) months from the established eligibility date.
Special Testing Arrangements Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at mssprogram@calhr.ca.gov or 916-909-3701 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.
Education Documents If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
General Information This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
Benefits
Represented by the Joint Council bargaining unit.
96 hours of vacation per year, increasing upon continuous years of service.
96 hours of sick leave per year.
14 paid holidays plus one 8-hour personal holiday.
CalPERS retirement plan, 8% employee contribution.
The County pays approximately 80% of premium for medical, dental, and vision plan (including a $30,000 life insurance plan for employee). For the employee and entire family, the current employee's share of the insurance plan is $234.54 per month.
Annual salary step increase based upon satisfactory performance and completion of 2,080 hours (Steps A to E).
Deferred compensation plan with the County matching the employee's deposit, up to $60 per month.
Supplemental insurance plans are available.
Employee Assistance Program is provided to all employees at no cost by the County.
Additional Information ADA/EEO/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE. As a condition of employment Tehama County Social Services will require: A valid driver's license will be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Proof of ability to work in the United States. Pre-employment drug testing and physical. Government agencies accessing US government information, which include federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent to the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information. A background check may be required if the position requires access to these types of records. Background requirements consist of three components which include, fingerprinting, citizenship verification and local law enforcement checks. State agencies must conduct investigation during time of hire and ensure a reinvestigation is conducted 10 years from the date of the previous background investigation for each employee that has access to federal tax information.
About Tehama County Beautiful Tehama County is in the heart of northern California, midway between Sacramento and the Oregon border. Based on the shores of the Sacramento River and in the shadows of Mount Lassen, Tehama County boasts some of the lowest housing costs in California along with short commute times to work. The County is home to a myriad of recreational activities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr