Eligibility Worker III (#RS0103)
$25.49-$30.98 Hourly / $4,418.12-$5,370.26 Monthly / $53,017.53-$64,443.14 Yearly

Under general supervision, performs advanced technical work in the determination of initial and continuing eligibility for one or more public assistance programs; may perform lead work for a unit; trains others; and does related other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the lead or technical specialist level in the Eligibility Worker series. Incumbents in this class are responsible for providing lead assistance to staff in specific units, performing more advanced technical work in determining public assistance benefits, interpreting laws and regulations, and may assist with training. Incumbents may be assigned to perform specialized work in the more technical areas of public assistance programs.

• Provides lead assistance to unit staff in determining eligibility for one or more public assistance programs; assists staff in interpreting laws, regulations, rules, and policies; acts as a resource person for staff; acts in the absence of the supervisor.

• Provides training to unit staff or others as assigned; assists with the most complex cases; ensures accuracy and completion of appropriate forms; ensures case processing is performed in accordance with established polices and procedures.

• Performs specialized technical work in the areas of quality control and/or quality assurance reviews, fair hearing compliance determinations, benefit recovery calculations, and other specialized assignments.

• Gathers, evaluates and verifies financial, personal and social information of clients to determine eligibility and benefit levels for one or more public assistance programs; initiates and processes casework through various automated systems.

• Interviews applicants and recipients (scheduled or unscheduled) in person, by telephone or at a client’s home; reviews applications and forms to ensure information provided is accurate and complete; verifies information; maintains case records; prepares and maintains correspondence and reports.

• Assists clients by explaining program eligibility requirements; completes required forms; explains client responsibilities; and makes referrals to other community resources.

• Initiates appropriate disposition of cases; approves, denies, transfers, or terminates public assistance programs; authorizes benefits within specific guidelines or makes appropriate referrals for immediate services and assistance; authorizes emergency assistance as necessary.

• Coordinates with other agencies or individuals involved in cases; acts as liaison between clients and other counties; coordinates with other units in the department; upon authorization, supplies information to other agencies and client representatives; directs clients to other offices or agencies for assistance as appropriate.

• Reviews and may authorize the work of others  to ensure compliance with federal, state, and County rules, regulations, and policies; works with staff to resolve issues; provides coverage as needed.

• Organizes caseload to ensure that necessary case records and documents are processed and updated to comply with established timelines.

• Attends and participates in meetings and training programs; maintains knowledge of current policies, procedures, regulations, and departmental organization and community resources.

Experience: Two years experience equivalent to an Eligibility Worker II in San Joaquin County service. This experience must have been in a California county public assistance program within the last five years.

License:  Possession of a valid California driver’s license if required by the nature of the assignment.          

Laws, rules, and regulations governing the administration of public assistance programs; departmental and County policies and procedures; standard office practices and procedures; basic principles of supervision and training techniques; personal computer systems and general office computer software; techniques for interviewing and gathering information from a diverse population; filing and record keeping systems; language mechanics; correspondence and report formats; arithmetical operations related to calculating program assistance; customer service principles and practices; community resources.

Lead, direct, and train staff; evaluate and make appropriate recommendations or corrections on cases; work accurately; make decisions under pressure; meet deadlines; analyze and evaluate situations accurately; determine appropriate course of action in emergency or stressful situations; make referrals to other resources; identify and report potential fraudulent situations; follow oral and written instructions; utilize supervision; operate computers and related software and apply computer applications to departmental functions; maintain case records and documents; accurately enter data into computerized system; accurately perform basic arithmetical operations; read, understand, interpret, and apply complex federal, state, and County public assistance laws, regulations, guidelines, and other information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; communicate effectively, both orally and in  writing, with staff, the general public and with culturally diverse or economically disadvantaged clients.

Mobility-Frequent operation of a data entry device; constant sitting for extended periods; occasional pushing, pulling, reaching, grasping, bending, squatting, climbing; occasional driving; Lifting-Frequently 5 pounds or less; Vision-Constant good overall vision; reading and close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity-Normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motions; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing of normal speech and hearing/talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/Psychological-Occasional exposure to grief; exercise sound judgment, especially under stressful and emergency situations; frequent public contact and decision making; frequent concentration required; Special Requirements-Some assignments may require working overtime, weekends/nights; working alone; Environmental-Occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.