Eligibility Benefits Specialist III

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Solano County residents?

The Mission of Solano County Health and Social Services Department is to promote cost-effective services, which safeguard the physical, emotional, and social well being of the people of Solano County.

The Employment and Eligibility Services Division of the Department of Health and Social Services serves approximately one in four Solano County residents, including an average of 5,562 new applications for assistance each month. This means our employees have the capability of making a large impact on the lives of our neighbors. 

The Department seeks to improve services to the community and is committed to:

•  Working closely with clients, finding out what clients need, and providing quality services and benefits.
•  Ensuring that all clients are treated with respect.
• Making services accessible for clients.
• Encouraging Solano County residents to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Under general supervision, this position 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.

For a complete job specification, which includes examples of duties, please visit: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=15778

The eligible list created as a result of this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur throughout the County.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

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.

Special Requirements:

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.

Solano County offers a comprehensive benefit package to full and part-time employees which includes a cafeteria-style medical package with health benefits offered through CalPERS. The County contributes 75% of the Kaiser family rate for the Bay area for coverage that begins the first of the month following date of hire. The County offers a cash back provision for those who choose employee-only medical coverage or those who waive medical insurance coverage. Dental and vision insurances for the employee and eligible dependents are paid 100% by the County.

Solano County participates in CalPERS retirement, and contributes to Social Security.

Vacation is accrued at approximately 10 days per year for the first 78 full time pay periods (approximately 3 years). Sick leave accrues at approximately 12 days per year. Additionally, the County observes 12 fixed, paid holidays per year.

To review complete benefits information, please visit http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=16512

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 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.

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.

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.

Please visit the County of Solano website, http://jobsatsolanocounty.com to apply. 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 County's employment website: http://www.jobaps.com/Solano/sup/doccover.pdf or at the of Human Resources’ office, and are due by the final filing date.  

Previously submitted application materials for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.    

Questions can be directed to the Human Resources Department at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EOE/AA  

All candidates must submit a copy of their college degree (verifying the degree, date earned and it must clearly show area of specialization) or transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed). 

Failure to submit your degree or transcripts by the final filing date will disqualify you from the recruitment. 

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 close of the recruitment. 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, by mail at Solano County Department of Human Resources 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800, Fairfield CA 94533, by fax to (707) 784-3424, or by email at recruitment@solanocounty.com.  When submitting documents in-person, by mail or by fax, include the recruitment title (e.g., Eligibility Benefits Specialist III) and the recruitment number (e.g., 15-444040-01).

This Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to determine applicants’ qualifications for this position and whether they will continue in the recruitment process; therefore, applicants are encouraged to answer all questions thoroughly and completely.  Omitted information will not be considered or assumed. 

1. I understand that this recruitment requires me to submit my college transcripts. I understand that failure to submit my college degree or transcripts by the final filing date will result in my disqualification from the recruitment.

___ Yes   ___No

03/31/15 Final Filing Date- deadline to submit all required documents

04/09/15 Tentative Date for Oral Board

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.  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 honorable conditions shall have five (5) points added to their combined score.  Disabled veterans 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.

Located 45 miles northeast of San Francisco and 45 miles southwest of Sacramento, Solano County is home to rolling hills, waterfronts and fertile farmland.  

Solano offers a blend of agriculture, corporate business, cultural venues, festivals and events, and provides residents with many recreation and entertainment choices. The County is also home to Travis Air Force Base.

With its strategic location, affordable housing, natural resources, responsible land use planning, and attractive quality of life, Solano County is a great place to live, learn, work and play.

County Population (January 2012): 413,786

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"