Salary : $46,373.00 - $65,368.00 Annually Location : Mammoth Lakes, CA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202300079 Department: Health and Human Services Division: Social Services Division Opening Date: 10/21/2024 Closing Date: 11/18/2024 11:59 PM Pacific Bargaining Unit: MCPE DescriptionYou must apply through CalHR using the below link(s). Eligibility Specialist Trainee | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com) Eligibility Specialist I | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com) Eligibility Specialist II | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com) The 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. The Eligibility Specialist Trainee is the classroom and on-the-job trainee level in the Eligibility Specialist series where emphasis is on learning the basic regulatory and statutory requirements of multiple public assistance programs. Incumbents may receive classroom instruction and/or on-the-job training prior to being assigned casework or tasks. Once incumbents are placed in audit, they will continue to participate in on-the-job training and may be assigned a variety of duties, including some casework/tasks which will assist them in learning to determine initial and continuing eligibility for one or more public assistance programs. Incumbents work under close supervision to complete initial case functions as they continue to learn procedures and complex regulations and acquire the ability to apply the regulations during the training period. Trainees are given the opportunity to perform increasing levels of eligibility determination to prepare them for the entry-level Eligibility Specialist I classification. Incumbents are expected to progress to the entry-level Eligibility Specialist I upon satisfactory completion of one year as a trainee. Use of the Eligibility Specialist Trainee classification is optional, at the discretion of each County. The Eligibility Specialist I is the entry-level classification in the Eligibility Specialist series. Incumbents may have prior experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment or veterans' benefits, or publicly or privately funded health, counseling or social services programs; have completed initial classroom training provided as part of the Eligibility Specialist Trainee training program; or may have the required level of education. Incumbents will be placed in a work team and initially may receive classroom instruction prior to being assigned casework and/or tasks. Incumbents will work under close supervision while learning to independently determine public assistance eligibility and apply knowledge and skills learned from their training in completing eligibility tasks and applying complex regulations. As incumbents gain experience and work toward the journey level in the series, they are expected to work with more independence and have the ability to complete more complex tasks and/or handle larger client caseloads. Incumbents are expected to progress to the journey-level Eligibility Specialist I upon completion of one year of satisfactory performance in the entry-level Eligibility Specialist I classification. 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 EligibilitySupervisors. 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. Examples of DutiesDuties may include, but are not limited to, the following: (Duties are performed at the trainee level, where the incumbent is learning to perform the duties and progress as more experience is gained)
- 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.
Typical QualificationsEligibility Specialist Trainee: Pattern 1: Two (2) years of full-time clerical experience involving public contact, interviewing, math computations, completion of forms or eliciting information from the public; OR Pattern 2: One year of full-time experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment or veterans' benefits, or publicly or privately funded health, counseling or social services programs. OR Pattern 3: Completion of sixty (60) semester or ninety (90) quarter college units. Qualifying experience or education may be combined in order to meet the above requirements. When combining education and experience; fifteen (15) semester units or twenty-two and a half(22.5) quarter units equals six months of experience. Eligibility Specialist I: Pattern 1: One-year full-time experience in an Eligibility Specialist Trainee classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) county. OR Pattern 2: One (1) year of full-time experience determining eligibility for health programs, loans, financial assistance, unemployment, or other benefits. and two (2) years of clerical work involving public contact. OR Pattern 3: Two (2) years of full-time experience determining eligibility for health programs, loans, financial assistance, unemployment, or other benefits. OR Pattern 4: Four (4) years of full-time clerical work involving public contact, interviewing, math computations, completion of forms or eliciting information from the public. OR Pattern 5: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Qualifying experience or education may be combined in order to meet the above requirements. When combining education and experience; fifteen (15) semester units or twenty-two and a half (22.5) quarter units equals six months of experience. Eligibility Specialist II: Pattern 1: One (1) year full time experience in an Eligibility Specialist I classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) County. OR Pattern 2: Two (2) years of full-time experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs in a public human services agency. 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.
Supplemental InformationTRAINING & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100% The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate's knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination. Apply at: Mono County Summary of Benefits The following information is intended to provide a summary of benefits and does not include full details of coverage. Service limitations and restrictions may apply depending on coverage levels and services rendered. Pay Periods and Payroll Deductions County employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis, which consists of 26 pay periods per year. Payroll deductions including medical and most voluntary deductions will occur on a semi-monthly basis or 2 times per month. Retirement contributions will always be deducted on all 26 pay periods. Medical Mono County Contracts with CalPERS To provide health insurance for its employees and currently offers several Preferred Provider (PPO) Plans which are administered by Anthem Blue Cross. Employees have the option to choose from PERS Gold, PERS Platinum, and PORAC. The PORAC Plan is currently only available to members of the Safety group employee's. Medical plan costs vary based on the plan and coverage you select. The employee and the County share the cost of the plan, which is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The employee's cost is in accordance with the applicable Memorandum of Understanding with each bargaining group. For more information regarding health plans, please visit: Dental Mono County Offers a self-insured dental plan administered by Delta Dental of California and currently offers the following benefits: •$1,100.00 each year towards your dental coverage if you choose an in-network Delta DentalPPO Dentist. •$1,000.00 each year towards your dental coverage if you choose and out-of-network orNon-Delta Dental PPO Dentist. •Diagnostic and preventative coverage of 70 - 100 % of contracted allowance (based onlength enrolled in the plan and dentist visit of at least once per year). •Major services are covered at 50% of the contracted allowance. Currently Dental coverage is provided to eligible Mono County employees at 100% employer paid. Vision Vision Service Plan is our Vision Insurance provider. Our plan is VSP Signature. Benefits include: •well/vision exam every 12 months, carries a $10 copay. •$160 allowance for frames and 20% off amount over allowance. •$180 allowance for contacts and contact lens exam and 15% off contact lens fitting andevaluation. Currently Vision coverage is provided to eligible Mono County employees at 100% employer paid. Basic Life Insurance Administered by Voya Mono County Employees are entitled to Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment. Mono County also offers coverage to employee's spouse and dependents. Life Insurance is administered by Voya Insurance. •Coverage for General Employees is $5,000.00 •At-Will/Elected Employees/Paramedic Coverage is $50,000.00 •Coverage for Employee's Spouse is $1,000.00 •Coverage for Employee's Children is also $1,000.00 •Coverage for Employee's Children under six months is $100.00 Currently Basic Life coverage is provided to eligible Mono County employees at 100% employer paid. Supplemental Life Insurance - Administered by Voya Employees have the option of enrolling in a Supplemental Life insurance policy for themselves, their spouse and any dependent children. This policy is purchased by the employee with rates based on the age group at the time of enrollment. Supplemental life insurance coverage can be enrolled in the first 31 days of employment without proof of good health, after 31 days proof of good health is required. Amounts available are as follows: •For Employee up to $150,000 (guaranteed issue) or up to $500,000 with proof of goodhealth •For Spouse up to $50,000.00 and for the Employee's Children for $10,000.00. Flexible Spending Accounts and Optional Insurances Provided by WORKTERRAFlexible Spending Accounts for medical reimbursement and dependent care are available through a Section 125 account administered by WORKTERRA. These accounts allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars to help pay for eligible medical and dependent care expenses. Mono County Deferred Compensation 457/401(a) Plan The County provides deferred compensation plan through Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a) Employees have the option to sign up for the 457-deferred compensation plan and contribute up to the maximum amount allowed by the IRS. If the employee contributes a total of 1-3% of their pre-tax salary, the County will match those contributions up to a maximum of 3% into a 401 (a) plan under the employee's name. The employee may direct the investment of all contributions in accordance with the options or limitation provided by the 401(a) Plan. CalPERS Retirement Benefits and Contributions Mono County contracts with CalPERS for your retirement plan. Your retirement plan is a defined benefit plan determined by a set formula which uses your years of service, age at retirement, and highest one or three years of service. The Plan is funded by contributions from the employee, the County and investments from plan assets. Mono County has a Local Miscellaneous group and a Local Safety group. Your benefit formula will fall within one of these two groups Most new members will fall within the new Pension Reform Formulas of 2 @ 62 for Miscellaneous & 2.7 @ 57 for all Safety Group. However, if you do have prior membership you may be eligible for the formulas that were in place on December 31st 2012, before Pension reform went into place. Our pre-pension reform formulas are: Local Miscellaneous Group = 2.5% @ 55 Local Safety - Sheriff = 3% @ 55 Local Safety - Fire = 2% @ 50 Local Safety - County Peace Officer = 3% @ 50 Find out all about your CalPERS benefits at www.calpers.ca.gov AFLAC - Optional Insurance Provider Mono County contracts with a Local Representative who provides our employees with the opportunity to enroll in several different policies offered by AFLAC, to include; Cancer, Critical Care, Hospital, Accident, Disability, intensive Care. New employees can enroll within the first 30 days of employment; all other transactions are done during open enrollment each year. EAP - Employee Assistance Program Mono County offers two different Employee Assistance Programs through Trindel Insurance Fund and Voya. Both programs include counseling and telephone consultation services addressing a variety of personal topics to promote a healthy family and work life balance. Mono County Wellness Program Mono County offers a discounted rate, as well as $25 towards Membership to local health clubs at the Double Eagle in June Lake or Snowcreek Athletic Club and The Body Shop in Mammoth Lakes. For employees living or working in Bridgeport, there is a County maintained facility in the Bridgeport Memorial Hall that employees have access to for a small one-time fee of $10.00 SICK & VACATION Sick - (Unless an applicable collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise) Eligible employees will accrue sick leave at the rate of 12 sick days per year. Permanent part-time employees accrue sick leave on a prorated basis. Vacation- (Unless an applicable collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise) Eligible employees shall be entitled to accrue vacation leave with pay for each year of full-time service as follows: Initial employment 10 days vacation per year After three years of continuous service15 days vacation per year After ten years of continuous service17 days vacation per year After fifteen years of continuous service19 days vacation per year After twenty years of continuous service20 days vacation per year Permanent part-time employees accrue vacation on a prorated basis. Mono County Holidays Most all bargaining groups recognize 13 Holidays as outlined in the Mono County Policies and Procedures and Personal Holidays according to your specific MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) according to your represented group. Welcome to Mono County - A great place to live and work!!