Eligibility Worker I

North Santa Barbara County
Santa Maria
Full Time
County of Santa Barbara - Department of Social Services
county-logo
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA
INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:Eligibility Worker I

(English & English – Spanish)

Job Bulletin# 24-3090-01 (O)

An Equal Opportunity Employer

ELIGIBILITY WORKER I SALARY: $50,280.81 – $59,818.95 Annually

Bilingual allowance when applicable

OPENING DATE: 1/24/24

CLOSING DATE: 2/14/24

THE POSITION

The County of Santa Barbara Department of Social Services is accepting applications to fill current vacancies for Eligibility Worker I positions in Santa Maria.

We are also accepting applications to fill future vacancies in Lompoc, Santa Barbara, and Santa Maria. Please select the locations where you are willing to accept initial employment for current and future vacancies.

POSITION:
Under supervision, applies regulations and procedures to determine eligibility for public assistance programs and referrals for social services, utilizing automated eligibility systems and multiple computer applications in conjunction with several ancillary systems.

Most candidates selected will primarily be assigned to the County’s Service Center in Santa Maria, performing caseload management and telephone support duties on banked public assistance caseloads, or assisting callers with food assistance and health care benefit eligibility determinations and enrollment.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an entry-level position within the Eligibility Worker series. Incumbents attend training sessions to learn regulations, work procedures, forms, and structured public contact techniques. The first year will fall under a probationary period, which will consist of program training and on the job training. Successful candidates will satisfactorily complete four months of training and two months of on the job training. If training is not satisfactorily completed, trainee will be released from County employment.  Attendance is crucial during the training period; therefore, vacations will NOT be approved during this time.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

  • Active listening skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Calm composure
  • Excellent customer service orientation skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task, set priorities and manage time effectively
  • Experience working as a team player
  • Ability to work and navigate between multiple computer applications simultaneously to perform daily tasks
  • Ability to adapt to change
  • Strong professional references
  • Ability to meet rigid deadlines

Click here to find out more about the position of an Eligibility Worker.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Incumbents are expected to learn to assume the full scope of duties, which may include but is not limited to the following:

  1. Interviews people of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and temperaments using a variety of standard interview and interaction techniques to determine eligibility and need for public social programs and services; interviews clients individually and in group settings to obtain required information; explains program requirements and procedures individually and in a group setting.
  2. Assists applicants in the completion of applications and declaration forms upon which eligibility decisions are based; elicits information in difficult and emotional situations on such matters as applicant earnings and financial obligations, parental status and living arrangements.
  3. Determines program eligibility in accordance with a variety of regulations; using the California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS) and various ancillary systems that include document imaging. tools for managing tasks, Computes eligibility and authorized benefits for various public assistance programs using all potential income and allowable deductions from earnings; completes accurate computer entries by navigating through computer-guided workflows.
  4. Manages inbound and outbound calls in a timely manner; prepares necessary documentation to initiate, continue and modify public assistance; plans and organizes workload to ensure that necessary work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness; reviews documentation for accuracy, completeness and consistency; contacts applicants and recipients regarding discrepancies and refers questionable cases to the fraud unit for further follow-up. Ensures accurate case record entries.
  5. Identifies customers’ needs and clarifies information; provides information and makes routine referrals to resources available through the County and within the community which help meet health, housing and food needs or which provide assistance with employment, child care and transportation; makes referrals to protective services.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

1.     Equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of public contact experience (at 40 hours per week), performing duties in a customer service environment; OR,

2.     Equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of office experience (at 40 hours per week), performing administrative duties; OR,

3.     A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

College coursework may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Please upload a copy of your transcript to your application.

Knowledge of: general knowledge of standard office procedures; work and time management techniques; public contact and communication techniques.

Ability to: read and understand complex regulations and procedures; learn, apply and explain complex regulations and procedures; ability to work and navigate between multiple computer applications simultaneously to perform daily tasks; utilize automated eligibility systems in conjunction with several ancillary systems; accurately record information and complete complex forms; learn to conduct skilled interviews to elicit information concerning income, other financial resources and other personal information affecting eligibility over the phone and in person; communicate effectively verbally and in writing with persons from a variety of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds; maintain cooperative relationships with applicants and clients in tense and emotional situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees; determine appropriate course of action in emergency or stressful situations; maintain confidentiality of information; budget time, effectively organize and perform work amid interruptions; learn about and make referrals to other County and local social service agencies.

Additional Requirements:

  • A valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required.
  • Bilingual skills may be required. If you indicated on your application that you are bilingual, your name will be placed on the employment list for a job requiring bilingual skills. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name will be removed from the bilingual employment list, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7.
  • Incumbents may be required to perform civil defense duties.
  • Selectees must, as a condition of employment, sign statements agreeing to comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting and Section 15630 of the California Penal Code relating to elder abuse reporting.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: 

1.     Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.

2.     Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates’ final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

Applicants must receive a minimum percentage score of 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Conditional Job Offer:  Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks.  The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.  The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For information click here. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

·        Retirement reciprocity

·        Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization.  The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 02/14/2024 at 4:59 PM PST; Postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Jasmine Gaytan, DSS HR Recruiter  Jgayta@sbcsocialserv.org

APPLICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED AND FILED ONLINE AT:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty
OR
1226 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
EXAM #24-3090-01
Eligibility Worker I
JG

 

Eligibility Worker I Supplemental Questionnaire
*1. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meets the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meet the employment standards at the time I submit my application.
 I understand
*2. As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. Your responses to the following questions will be used to make a better assessment of your qualifications.
 I understand
*3. The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly and it is current. If you feel you are not receiving your emails, please check your spam or junk inbox for our emails.
 I understand
*4. Location of vacancies may occur in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara or Lompoc. When filling out your application, please be sure you have selected the office location(s) where you are willing to work for current and future vacancies. The current vacancies are in Santa Maria.
 I understand
*5. Eligibility for this position requires that you meet one of the following employment standards. Please identify which employment standard you meet.

Equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of public contact experience (at 40 hours per week), performing duties in a customer service environment; or,

Equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of office experience (at 40 hours per week), performing administrative duties; or,

A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

6. If you selected #1, please provide specific details of your public contact experience in a customer service environment, in all past and present positions.
7. If you selected #2, please provide details of your experience in an office setting performing office/administrative duties in all past and present positions.
8. If you selected #3, provide relevant training, education and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards above.
9. List any college degree or coursework that may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Include the name of college/university, course title and quarter or semester units completed, and degree/major (if applicable).
*10. List all experience using multiple computer applications simultaneously. This may include Microsoft Office Suite Products, or any other computer-based system to perform daily job functions.   Please include length of experience and hours used per week.
*11. Questions 12 – 27 will help you decide whether you are willing to perform this type of work. If you answer “NO” to any of the questions, this position may not be for you.
 I understand
*12. Are you willing to respond calmly and politely to clients who may be upset, angry, or uncooperative because they have been denied public assistance?
Yes    No
*13. Are you willing to manage a large caseload and/or manage inbound/outbound calls and large number of tasks?
Yes    No
*14. Are you willing to document and keep detailed and accurate records of phone calls and interviews on a daily basis?
Yes    No
*15. Are you willing to learn to use several varied specialized automated eligibility and ancillary computer systems?
Yes    No
*16. Are you willing to conduct lengthy and in-depth interviews over the phone or in person with clients to obtain information such as income, financial resources, living arrangements, marital status, and other personal information?
Yes    No
*17. Are you willing to organize and prioritize cases/tasks to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness?
Yes    No
*18. Are you willing to work at a desk for long periods of time while using a specialized computer system to determine eligibility and process casework?
Yes    No
*19. Are you willing to read and interpret computer printouts and information on various computer screens?
Yes    No
*20. Are you willing to read several manuals in order to learn complex rules and regulations and use these manuals to determine eligibility for public assistance?
Yes    No
*21. Are you willing to perform work amid multiple interruptions?
Yes    No
*22. Are you willing to communicate verbally and in writing with people from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds on a daily basis?
Yes    No
*23. Are you willing to explain complex regulations to people in a manner that they can easily understand?
Yes    No
*24. Are you willing to make arithmetic computations involving addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, and percentages in order to manually calculate benefits?
Yes    No
*25. Are you willing to adjust to constant changes in rules and regulations?
Yes    No
*26. Are you willing to enforce rules and regulations and report potential fraudulent situations?
Yes    No

 

*27. Are you willing to commit to a six-month training?

Yes    No

*28. I understand the <b>Civil Service Examination </b> for this recruitment is a <b>Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. </b> I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job.

For information on protest procedures for the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules

*29. How many years of experience do you have in a professional office setting?
 3 or more years of experience
1 year to 2 years of experience
Less than 1 year of experience
No experience
*30.  How proficient are you in working with multiple computer programs and software, including Microsoft Office products?
  Advanced
Intermediate
BeginnerNo experience

*31.  How many years of experience do you have in customer service?

3 or more years of experience
1 year to 2 years of experience
Less than 1 year of experience

No experience

*32. County employees are designated Essential/Disaster Workers.  This means that during a declared emergency all County employees are required by law to be at the disposal of the Director of Emergency Services to respond to the emergency.  Do you have experience working as a disaster service worker (for example, in an Emergency Operations Center, in an emergency shelter, in a local assistance center, in a disaster recovery center, providing homeless outreach, etc.)?
      Yes, I have experience as a disaster service worker

No experience as a disaster service worker

 

* 33.   The job of an Eligibility Worker requires case management with individuals of diverse socio-economic backgrounds applying for various public assistance programs. How many years of experience do you have in case management working in social services like setting? Example of social service environment are services intended to provide support and assistance towards groups or any agency that provides services to assist the overall social well-being of individuals.

3 or more years of experience
1 year up to 2 years of experience
Less than 1 year of experience
No experience

*34    What is your highest level of education?

Bachelor Degree or higher

Associate Degree or equivalent

Some College

High School Diploma or equivalent

* Required Question

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