Eligibility Benefits Specialist III (Bilingual-Tagalog)

The Employment and Eligibility Services Division in the Health and Social Services Department is recruiting for two bilingual (Tagalog) 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.  

The Eligibility Benefits Specialist III under general supervision, serves as lead worker and expert resource to other eligibility staff; performs specialized assignments requiring an advanced level of technical knowledge in multiple public assistance benefit programs; and performs related duties as required.

This is the lead and advanced working level in this series.  Incumbents assist the unit supervisor in overseeing and guiding the work of unit staff.  Incumbents perform a variety the more complex assignments including lead work, on-the-job staff development and training, unit work-load coordination, case review, and management of specialized caseloads.  Incumbents serve as expert resource staff to assist management in developing, implementing and applying policies, procedures and methodologies related to public assistance benefit programs.  Specialized assignments include fraud and overpayment investigations.
 

Lead Worker: 
Assists the unit supervisor by providing expert advise to unit staff in the resolution of the more difficult, complex and unusual eligibility problems, issues, calculations affecting the eligibility determination and grant authorization process. 

 Assists in the assignment or work, maintenance of workflow of the unit, and establishment of workload priorities. Reviews cases for accuracy and compliance with established policy and procedure.

Assist with unit staff training and in the interpretation and application of policy and procedures. Provides guidance to case carrying staff in referrals to employment, training, and social services. Maintains liaison with other department staff to ensure prompt, efficient provision of services. Inputs necessary information into automated systems, organizes caseload, and takes required action with specific time limits established by regulation and local policy. 

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. 

Assists client with need for other services and refers client to other community resources for other assistance. Identifies and refers clients in need of other social behavioral, employment, mental health, substance abuse, or other services to other department staff or community resources. 

Analyzes changes in financial, employment, family, and personal information to determine and authorize continuing eligibility for multiple aid programs. Inputs necessary information into automated systems; organizes caseload and takes required action with specific time limits established by regulation and local policy. 

Maintains case record files, modifies employment plan and eligibility files as necessary, and monitors client compliance with program standards and agreements. Consults with and coordinates case management with other staff and service providers. 

Identifies suspected fraud and makes referrals to investigation. Identifies need for and arranges for client work registration and other basic employment activities required as a condition for receipt of public assistance benefits.
 
Special Investigations for Fraud and Overpayment:
  
Performs initial investigations for early detection of welfare fraud.  Reviews and monitors a variety of sources of information to detect potential fraud and agency error. 

Re-interviews clients to establish discrepancies in facts and findings. Computes overpayments and initiates collections. 

Notifies clients of procedures used to collect and maintains documentation and audit trails necessary for presentation to court. May testify as expert witness in court.                                                       

Program Assistance: 
 
Assists in the development and implementation of administrative and program specific policies and procedures. Collects, compiles, analyzes and reports statistical information relating to program and administrative operations. 

Conducts special studies to evaluate optional systems and procedures. Designs various databases and spreadsheets to track and report data from a variety of sources to control and report on program and administrative operations. 

Assist program management in a variety of fact finding and data gathering activities requiring program specific knowledge. Assembles and tracks summary data relating to expenditures, workload and staff utilization.
 

Two years of experience performing duties equivalent to an Eligibility Benefits Specialist II (Eligibility Worker II) in a California County Department of Social Services.  

AND  

Completion of the equivalent of 9 semester units, 12 quarter units or 15 continuing education credits preferably in behavioral science in sociology, psychology, counseling, vocational guidance or coursework related to public assistance grant programs or the provision of employment services.  This required coursework may be obtained through colleges, universities, university extension, business school, or employer provided career development training. A continuing education unit is equivalent to point sixty (.60) semester units.

All candidates must submit a copy of their college diploma (verifying the degree, date earned and area of specialization) or official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed).  Candidates who fail to submit their diploma or transcripts by the final filing date will be disqualified from the recruitment, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement. 

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:  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 result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the document deadlines above.  Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents in-person or by mail at Solano County Department of Human Resources 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800, Fairfield CA  94533, or by fax to (707) 784-3424.  When submitting documents in-person, by mail or by fax, include the recruitment title (e.g., Office Assistant II) and the recruitment number (e.g., 12-123456-01).

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.  

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

____Yes                   ____ No

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 the County’s Personnel and Salary Resolution.  Longevity, shift differential, bilingual, call-back and stand-by pay maybe available for some job classes.   

HOLIDAYS – Regular and limited-term employees receive 12 paid holidays per year.  

ANNUAL/SICK LEAVE - Regular and limited-term 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 and limited-term full time employees accumulate 12 sick leave days per year.  

RETIREMENT – 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.   

HEALTH BENEFITS – Employees and their dependents are eligible for vision and dental insurance with 100% of the cost paid by the County of Solano.  The County also participates in a cafeteria medical plan administered by PERS HealthCare (eligibility is dependent upon job class).  

OTHER BENEFITS – Employees may also elect to participate in deferred compensation, credit union, life insurance, and flexible spending plan.  All County employees are eligible to purchase auto and/or home owners, renter insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance.  An Employee Assistance Program is also provided.  

EXTRA-HELP - Extra-help employees do not receive or accrue benefits of regular employees during their period of employment.

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the 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 an initial application screening, a mandatory information meeting, a written and/or practical exam, an oral interview, or any combination listed. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

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

A minimum score of 70% is required to continue in the selection process

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 a document cover sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office,  and are due by the final filing date.  Previously submitted application materials .e.g., 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.  Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. 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 DD 214, 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.  Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points. 

Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combined grade.  Disabled veterans shall have 10 points added to their combined grade.  Veteran scores will only be added to passing scores. 

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 contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at (707)784-6170, to obtain a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form.  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"