Eligibility Worker I

Eligibility Worker I Salary: $56,821.44 - $67,600.00 Annually
Eligibility Worker II Salary: $61,932.00 - $73,852.48 Annually
Bilingual allowance when applicable

About the Role

The County of Santa Barbara Department of Social Services is seeking Eligibility Workers to fill 15 current vacancies in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara. These positions are 100% onsite. All new hires will begin in Santa Maria for training.

Under supervision, the incumbent applies regulations and procedures to determine eligibility for public assistance programs and referrals for social services, utilizing automated eligibility systems and multiple computer applications.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is an entry-level position within the Eligibility Worker series. Incumbents attend training sessions in Santa Maria to learn regulations, work procedures, forms, and structured public contact techniques. The first year of employment is a probationary period consisting of four months of classroom training and two months of on-the-job training. Successful candidates must satisfactorily complete this training; failure to do so will result in release from County employment. Vacations will not be approved during the training period, as absences may jeopardize successful completion of the probationary period.

Candidates may be appointed at the I or II level. Appointment at the II level requires prior verifiable experience performing Eligibility Worker I duties (or equivalent duties performed with another county in California).

Ideal Candidate

• Active listening skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Calm composure under pressure
• Excellent customer service orientation
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task, set priorities, and manage time effectively
• Experience working as a team player
• Ability to navigate between multiple computer applications simultaneously to perform daily tasks
• Ability to adapt to change
• Strong professional references
• Ability to meet rigid deadlines
• Reliable attendance record, strong commitment to punctuality and dependability

Responsibilities

• Interviews people of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and temperaments using standard interview techniques to determine eligibility and need for public social programs and services.
• Assists applicants in completing applications and declaration forms; elicits information in difficult and emotional situations regarding earnings, financial obligations, parental status, and living arrangements.
• Determines program eligibility in accordance with regulations using the California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS) and various ancillary systems.
• Computes eligibility and authorized benefits for various public assistance programs using all potential income and allowable deductions; completes accurate computer entries.
• Manages inbound and outbound calls; prepares documentation to initiate, continue, and modify public assistance.
• Plans and organizes workload to ensure compliance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness; reviews documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Contacts applicants and recipients regarding discrepancies; refers questionable cases to the fraud unit.
• Identifies customers' needs, clarifies information, and makes referrals to resources available through the County and within the community.
• Makes referrals to protective services as needed.

Requirements

• Equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of public contact experience (40 hours per week) in a customer service environment; OR
• Equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of office experience (40 hours per week) performing administrative duties; OR
• A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to the above that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Standard office procedures
• Work and time management techniques
• Public contact and communication techniques

Ability to:

• Read and understand complex regulations and procedures
• Learn, apply, and explain complex regulations and procedures
• Navigate between multiple computer applications simultaneously to perform daily tasks
• Utilize automated eligibility systems in conjunction with several ancillary systems
• Accurately record information and complete complex forms
• Conduct skilled interviews to elicit information concerning income and other personal information affecting eligibility
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with persons from a variety of social, cultural, and economic backgrounds
• Maintain cooperative relationships with applicants and clients in tense and emotional situations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees
• Determine appropriate course of action in emergency or stressful situations
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Budget time and effectively organize and perform work amid interruptions
• Learn about and make referrals to other County and local social service agencies

Additional Qualifications

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) speaking and writing skills required for some positions. Candidates must self-certify fluency; departments may test for fluency.
• Selectees must comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code (child abuse reporting) and Section 15630 of the California Penal Code (elder abuse reporting).

Benefits

The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time/service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.