Eligibility Benefits Specialist II- Bilingual Spanish

The Employment and Eligibility Services Division in the Health and Social Services Department is currently recruiting for Bilingual Spanish Eligibility Benefits Specialist II on a continuous basis for regular positions.   

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.  

Incumbent under supervision, applies regulations and procedures to determine eligibility for multiple public assistance programs in accordance with established procedures.

These classes are distinguished from Employment Resources Specialist I/II classes in the scope of assigned duties and responsibilities.  The Eligibility Benefits Specialist I/II classes performs duties in primarily involving eligibility-only functions while the Employment Resources Specialist I/II classes performs duties in both eligibility and employment services functions.  The Eligibility Benefits Specialist I/II classes are distinguished from the Eligibility Benefits Specialist III class in that the latter class functions as a unit leadworker and/or in a specialized eligibility assignment.

Interviews clients to assist them in the completion of application and declaration forms upon which eligibility decisions are based; elicits information from clients on parental status, income, property (real and personal), financial obligations, medical condition, and other resources.

Interprets and explains regulations, rules, and policies to clients; apprises clients of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for program participation.

Reviews application documents for completeness and consistency; requests clients provide additional information and documents to resolve discrepancies in applications; initiates requests for information related to eligibility determinations from outside sources such as banks, insurance companies, other public agencies and county departments; evaluates all information obtained against complex, multiple aid program regulations to assess initial eligibility for public assistance.

Establishes client household budget based on type of assistance; computes amount of grant authorized and performs other required calculations based on established procedures.

Handles crisis situations by authorizing benefits within specific guidelines or makes appropriate referrals to other staff and community resources for immediate services and assistance.

Six (6) months of experience performing duties equivalent to an Eligibility Benefits Specialist I (Eligibility Worker I) in a California County Department of Social Services.  The experience must have been within the last two (2) years.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Any applicant, who indicates that they have a college degree or have taken any college units, must provide proof, even though the position may not require a degree or college units. 

Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service.  The results must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment.  Please contact your local college or university to learn where you can obtain this service.

This Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to help determine your qualifications for this position and whether you continue in the recruitment process.  Be sure to answer all questions.  Omitted information cannot be considered or assumed. 

1- Do you possess six (6) months experience performing public assistance benefit eligibility determination in a California County Department of Social Services?

2-Is your experience performing public assistance benefit eligibility determination within the last two (2) years?

3-This position requires Spanish skills.  Applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. Do you speak, write and read Spanish?

Drivers License: Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License may be required at the time of appointment.  Loss of the Class C Drivers License is a cause for discipline.  Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Language Proficiency: Some positions allocated to these classes may require bilingual skills.

Assignment Requirements: Some positions in these classes may require work in an out-station location or in a setting with other professionals integrated as a team.

Travel:  Independent travel may be required.

Child Abuse Reporting: Selectees for employment must as a condition of employment sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting.

TBD Tentative date for Qualifications Review

SALARY POLICIES - The starting salary is ordinarily the first rate shown on the front of the announcement.  Salary advancement is authorized after satisfactory completion of additional periods outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or resolution.  Longevity, shift differential, bilingual, call-back and stand-by pay maybe available for some classifications. 

HOLIDAYS – Regular full-time employees receive 12 paid holidays per year.

ANNUAL LEAVE - Regular full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rate of 10 days per year.  After a certain period of continuous service, employees accrue vacation time at a higher rate as outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or resolution. Regular full time employees accumulate 12 sick leave days per year.

RETIREMENT - Non-Safety – Employees who have never been a member of any public retirement system prior to January 1, 2013, or who have moved between retirement systems and were not subject to reciprocity, or who have moved between public employers within a public retirement system after a break in service that is greater than six months are eligible for a miscellaneous retirement plan of the 2% at age 62 benefit formula.  Employees entering membership in Solano County’s miscellaneous retirement plan on or after May 4, 2012 but before January 1, 2013, or who have moved between public employers within a public retirement system with a break in service that is less than six months are eligible for a 2% at age 60 benefit formula.  Employees entering membership in Solano County’s miscellaneous retirement plan prior to May 4, 2012 are eligible for a 2.7% at age 55 benefit formula. 

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of a resume screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination. Depending on the job class, candidates may need to successfully pass a post-offer drug screening test prior to employment.  Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

All potential new hires (including new contract employees) and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted.  These provisions are subject to change.

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with the Document Cover Sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due by the final filing date or within five (5) calendar days from application submittal if the recruitment is Open & Continuous or Open until Filled.  Previously submitted application materials (i.e. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply.  Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield 94533.  The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EOE/AA

To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.  A copy of the DD214, showing discharge type, must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date. Applicants who have a service connected disability must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.   

Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions shall have five (5) points added to their combined score. Disabled veterans (rated at not less than 30% disability) shall have ten (10) points added to their combined score. Veteran preference points will only be added to passing scores in competitive open examinations.

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must complete the following Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form: http://webstartadmin/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=6664. This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program. 

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT – Depending on the applicant’s job class, prospective employees may be required to undergo a Urine Drug Test in accordance with the Solano County Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Solano County employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

RETIREES - Solano County invites all to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees. 

BACKGROUND PROCESS –The background process may include but not limited to conducting a reference check, completing a personal history statement, conducting a background interview, and live scan fingerprinting.  The County of Solano also utilizes e-Verify to verify employment eligibility.  Note:  A felony conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.    The County will consider the nature, date and relationship between the offense and the position for which you are applying.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment, candidates may be required to pass a medical examination.  Candidates are encouraged not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment, all candidates will be required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California and may be fingerprinted.  Candidates will also be required to offer proof that they are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of 6 to 12 months, depending upon the job class.  A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.

DISASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly. 

EXTRA-HELP – An employee appointed to an extra-help position must meet all the requirements of the corresponding regular position.  Extra-help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in the fiscal year.  Extra-help employees are excluded from civil service and do not have rights to regular or continued employment.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"