Eligibility Specialist I - English and Bilingual (English/Spanish)



Eligibility Specialist I - English and Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Salary

$52,094.52 - $63,344.09 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

21/09-0481-ORB

Department

Human Services Department (HSD)

Opening Date

09/30/2021

Closing Date

10/21/2021 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

25

Position Information


Be a part of this exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team as an Eligibility Specialist I 
and help our community's most disadvantaged members!

A cash allowance of approximately $600/month will be added to the starting pay
Plus, an additional $1.15/hour for bilingual assignments.

The County of Sonoma Human Services Department seeks qualified individuals to fill multiple full-time English & fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) Eligibility Specialist I positions.

The Benefits of County Employment

Sonoma County employment offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to excellent benefits* including:

  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance up to $500
  • Eligibility for a 5% salary increase after 1040 hours (approximately 6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a 5% salary increase every year thereafter for good work performance, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • With experience and good work performance, career advancement to Eligibility Specialist II
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 holidays and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • Significant portion of health care premiums paid by the County and access to several health plan options
  • May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
  • County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
Working as an Eligibility Specialist I (ES I)

ES I's interview clients to obtain and evaluate personal information in order to determine eligibility for benefits. ES I's must be able to adapt and respond to the ever changing regulatory requirements of public assistance programs. These positions may be assigned to a high volume call center environment in the Economic Assistance Division.  More information about working as an ES I can be found by watching HSD's Eligibility Specialist video.

The ideal candidates for these ES I positions will possess:

  • The interpersonal skills necessary to interact with, obtain information from, and provide support to clients who are in stressful life situations
  • Proficient computer skills necessary to navigate department-specific software, perform data entry, and use the internet
  • Initiative, and the ability to use multiple resources to provide answers to clients
  • An aptitude for handling a large volume of case records and documents with precision
  • Excellent time management and prioritization skills in order to successfully meet regulatory deadlines
  • The willingness to receive and apply constructive feedback
  • Clear and effective oral and written communication abilities
Due to rigorous paperwork demands and regulatory deadlines, the Human Services Department has instituted a classroom and on the job training program for all ES I positions, and a one-year probationary period.

The Eligibility Specialist series (I/II/Senior/Supervisor) provides an excellent career path for candidates interested in pursuing a career in public service. 

IMPORTANT DATES
 
Tentative Date for the Written Examination:
Tuesday, November 9th & Wednesday, November 10th, 2021

Department Selection Interviews for Top Ranking Candidates
 will be held November 29th through December 3rd, 2021

Anticipated Start Date:
Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

*Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU). This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Those who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

Bilingual Premium

Bilingual premium pay is an additional $1.15 cents per hour on top of the hourly pay rate. Fluent bilingual positions require English and Spanish language proficiency in reading, writing, and conversation. In order to be considered for bilingual assignments, applicants must indicate their ability level on their application and in their response to the required supplemental questionnaire. A bilingual examination will be conducted prior to employment to confirm level of skill. Bilingual premium pay begins after completion of the training period and upon the assignment of a bilingual caseload.
 
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, this would include:

Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units at an accredited college including at least 9 semester or 12 quarter units in business, accounting, math, computer science, or behavioral science;

 OR
 
Two years of full-time experience performing clerical duties, including substantial public contact with clients, and basic interviewing for the purpose of gathering information and explaining policies or clarifying information needed;
 
 OR
 
One year of full-time experience with responsibility for determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment, veterans' benefits, insurance benefits, health benefits and/or providing tax assistance or social services programs would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Special Skill Requirement: Designated positions may require the ability to speak, read, and write a language in addition to English.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and determination for diverse public assistance programs which include Medi-Cal, private health insurance, and one or more additional public assistance and human service programs and related case administrative techniques; general goals and specific regulations, policies, and procedures of public assistance programs; applicable IRS tax forms; medical insurance and terminology associated with health plan options; complex mathematical calculations; tax regulations, rules, terminology, forms, and household filing status; methods and techniques of conducting an investigative interview;  principles and practices of effective customer service; principles of cultural and human behavior required to deal effectively with clients and staff; the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar; the economic and social problems that call for the use of public assistance programs; public and private social service agencies and other community resources available to meet clients' needs; modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and programs, project, and task coordination; computers and software programs to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation; basic recordkeeping and general office practices and procedures.

Ability to: analyze client needs; identify resources and services in the community, develop an effective course of action; understand and correctly apply complex applicable regulations, policies, and procedures; evaluate information and determine appropriate action in conjunction with complex rules and regulations; explain health insurance plan options and plan details available through private health insurance to clients; review a variety of tax documents to obtain needed household filing information; explain Advanced Premium Tax Credit implications to clients; accurately complete complex mathematical computations; refer clients to other community services as needed; assess and manage difficult and hostile persons or situations and call for intervention when appropriate; work in a fast-paced, professional office environment and prioritize a wide range of duties with varying time requirements to ensure timely completion; function effectively in a system with pressure and constant changes; keep lead and/or supervisor informed of progress, problems, work efforts, and results and make effective use of supervision; interpret and explain written directives and regulations; interpret social service programs to applicants, recipients, departmental staff, public and private agencies, community based organizations, and the general public; speak, read, write, and comprehend English at a level sufficient to communicate clearly and concisely and to explain complex regulations and policies in plain language, both orally and in writing, to persons from a variety of socio-economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds; develop and maintain effective working relationships with  clients, departmental staff,  public and private agencies, community based organizations, and the general public; effectively use computer systems, applications, and modern business equipment and systems to perform a variety of work tasks; analyze and effectively utilize electronic information systems data.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all your employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application and should be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting-a-Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
 
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examinations:

1.  An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (pass/not pass) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's combination of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge and abilities, which relate to this position to ensure satisfaction of the minimum qualifications for this position.

2.  A multiple-choice, written examination (weight 100%), will be conducted to further evaluate each candidate's qualifications as they relate to the position. The written examination will measure the core knowledge, skills and abilities for this position in the following areas:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Analytical Ability
  • Written Communication
  • Mathematical Ability
  • Interpersonal Relations

Applicants must attain a minimum passing score of at least 70% on the written examination to be placed on the employment list. The minimum passing score may be an adjusted score based on such factors as difficulty of the examination for this group of candidates, natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates, number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, and past practice.

IMPORTANT DATES

Tentative Date for the Written Examination:
Tuesday, November 9th & Wednesday, November 10th, 2021

Department Selection Interviews for Top Ranking Candidates
 will be held November 29th through December 3rd, 2021

Anticipated Start Date:
Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer are contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: As the largest employer in Sonoma County, the Board of Supervisors has adopted a vaccination and testing policy to help mitigate transmission of COVID-19. All County employees will be required to either have documented proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on file or consent to weekly COVID-19 testing. 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted on-line at: www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
 
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.   
 
HR Analyst: EP
HR Technician: RR    

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
 
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.

Cash Allowance: In addition to monthly salary, a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
 
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
  • CalJobs
  • CareerBuilder
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • Craigslist Mendocino
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Job Fair
  • Jobs Available
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
02
BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH SKILLS: If you would like to be considered for a position that requires bilingual abilities, please indicate the level of your proficiency below.

Candidates must pass a bilingual proficiency examination to be eligible for positions with bilingual designation.

  • Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual abilities.
  • Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual abilities.
  • No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual abilities and/or do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position.
03
Please indicate if you would also be interested in part-time or extra-help positions (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) should they become available. Extra-help employees are not eligible for most benefits available to permanent employees.

Candidates hired for extra-help positions remain eligible for full or part-time vacancies as they occur during the active status of this list.

Check all that apply.

  • Yes, I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions.
  • Yes, I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions.
  • No, I do not wish to be considered for extra-help or part-time positions.
04
Have you completed 60 semester or 90 quarter units at an accredited college, including at least 9 semester units or 12 quarter units in business, accounting, math, computer science, or behavioral science?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you have two or more years' experience interviewing clients or customers for the purpose of gathering information, explaining policies, or clarifying information?
06
Do you have one or more years' experience determining eligibility for one or more of the following?
  • Loans
  • Financial assistance
  • Unemployment
  • Veterans benefits
  • Insurance and/or health benefits
  • Social service programs
07
For this question, and all subsequent questions, please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications.

Based on your responses to Questions 4 - 6 above, please describe how your education and/or experience meets the minimum qualifications of this position.

08
Please provide an example that demonstrates your experience interacting with challenging clients or customers, and describe:
  • The situation
  • Challenges you faced
  • Actions you took to address the situation
  • Your assessment of the outcome
09
Please describe how you have used technology to organize or manage information and data in an employment setting. Include the names of the software programs you used and your level of proficiency (beginner, intermediate, or advanced).

Required Question

Agency
County of Sonoma (CA)
Address
575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

Santa Rosa, California, 95403
Phone
(707) 565-2331