Solano County

Eligibility Benefits Spec I

Recruitment #10-441030-01


Approximate Salary:	$41,077.55 - $49,930.01/year
Opening Date:	3/4/2010 1:45:00 PM
Closing Date:	3/11/2010 5:00:00 PM
Contact Information:	Carlise Mickens
Type of Recruitment:	Open Competitive
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Bulletin

INTRODUCTION

Health and Social Services is currently seeking highly qualified applicants to work as Eligibility Benefits Specialist I in the Division of Employment and Eligibility.

This recruitment may also be used to fill regular, limited-term or extra help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.

All qualified applicants will receive an email notice inviting them to take the written examination tentatively scheduled for March 22, 2010.

THE POSITION

This is the entry level of this classification series. Incumbents learn to apply regulations and procedures to determine eligibility for multiple public assistance programs. Incumbents attend training sessions and work under close supervision to learn regulations, work procedures, forms and public assistance program requirements.

After the initial orientation and training period, employees are placed in a unit where on-the-job training experience is gained to attain and demonstrate the level of competency in assigned duties necessary for promotion to the full working level of Eligibility Benefits Specialist II.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Track 1
Graduation from High School or General Education Diploma (GED) or a high school proficiency certificate AND

One (1) year of full-time experience in public contact work which has included interviewing the public and/or clients and explaining rules and regulations. (Typical experience may be gained by processing claims for financial assistance, loans, unemployment insurance, veterans benefits, health benefits, or other benefits where knowledge of a variety of rules and regulations are required.) OR

Track 2
Graduation from High School or General Education Diploma (GED) or a high school proficiency certificate AND

Two (2) years of full-time clerical experience, which included substantial public contact for the purposes of gathering, explaining or clarifying information.OR

Track 3
Graduation from High School or General Education Diploma (GED) or a high school proficiency certificate AND

Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university preferably in general education, business, finance, social science, or closely related field may be substituted for the required experience.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Any applicant, who indicates that they have a college degree or have taken any college units, must provide proof. Failure to submit a copy of your degree or transcripts within 5 days from 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 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.

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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

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.

SELECTION PLAN

<><><>This recruitment is open. Applications are currently being accepted until 5:00 p.m. PST on the final filing date. Qualified applicants will receive an email notice invited to take the written examination on March 22, 2010. Reminder: If additional application materials are requested in the job announcement, (ie. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with the Document Cover Sheet and are due within five (5) days from the final filing date.

BENEFITS

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"

SALARY POLICIES - The starting salary is ordinarily the first rate shown on the front of the announcement. After satisfactory completion of approximately six months, a 5% salary advancement may be authorized. Thereafter, further increases are possible upon completion of additional periods of six months, twelve months, and eighteen months, assuming satisfactory service. Longevity, shift differential, bilingual, call back and stand by pay are provided for some classifications. Effective December 1, 1998, all new hires are required to participate in the Direct Deposit Program.

HOLIDAYS & VACATIONS – Regular full time employees receive twelve paid holidays per year, and accrue vacation at the rate of ten days per year. After three years of continuous service employees accrue vacation time at the rate of fifteen days per year and at the rate of twenty days per year after ten years. Senior and Executive management positions start earning vacation at a higher rate.

SICK LEAVE – Regular full time employees accumulate twelve sick leave days per year.

RETIREMENT - The county is a member of the Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS), and benefits are coordinated with Social Security. The County has reciprocity with all State PERS and County 1937 Act Retirement Systems agencies. PERS retirement for miscellaneous employees is based on a formula of 2.7% @55 with both employee and employer contributing. PERS safety retirement is based on a formula of 3.0% @ 50 or 2.0% @ 50 depending on the job classification. The County reports the employer’s contribution to PERS as salary, thereby increasing employees pay upon retirement.

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 classification).

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - An Employee Assistance Program is also available.

OTHER BENEFITS – Employees also may elect to participate in a deferred compensation and the credit union. All County employees are eligible to purchase auto and/or home owners, renter insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance. This is a group policy and therefore receive substantial savings on premiums. Life insurance is also available for employees only.

SELECTION PROCESS

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 application 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 refenece check.These provisions are subject to change.

HOW TO APPLY

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement, (ie. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with the Document Cover Sheet and are due within five (5) calendar days of the final filing date or within five (5) calendar days from application submittal if the recruitment is Open & Continuous or Open until Filled. Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com to apply. Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources, (707) 784-6170 open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS

To be eligible, you must be an applicant for initial County employment, 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 YOUR DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE, MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT WITHIN FIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. If you have a service connected disability, you must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating you are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons. Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points. Veteran's preference 5 points Disabled Veterans 10 points.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

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: If you are a qualified individual with a disability, that is, someone who is able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at 707.784.4194, for a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form. This form should be received in the Human Resources Department within 5 days from the final filing date of the recruitment. A staff member will contact you and advise you how to proceed.

IMPORTANT: If you are a Solano County employee with a disabling condition, and are unable to perform the essential functions of your present position with or without reasonable accommodation, you may be eligible for preferential certification to an alternative position. Please immediately notify the ADA Coordinator @ 707.784.4194 to initiate review of this option.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

PLEASE NOTE: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program.

HIRING PROCEDURES - Depending on the number of qualified applicants received, the selection process may consist of a resume screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination. Candidates must be successful in each part of the examination. For Civil Service positions, the appointing authority is entitled to certification of the top five candidates by score.

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.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment you 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 fingerprinted and required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California. You will also be required to offer proof that you are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

EXAMINATION APPEALS - For Civil Service positions, individuals selecting to appeal their disqualification in any phase of the examination process must submit a written statement to the Director of Human Resources, within five calendar days of the receipt of the action, indicating the action being appealed, their specific basis for the appeal and the relief sought.

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

EXTRA HELP APPOINTMENTS - Appointments may be made from an eligible list for extra help (up to 999 hours/fiscal year, no benefits) 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.

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.