Eligibility Specialist III

Nature of Work: The primary function of an Eligibility Specialist III is to independently perform complex duties beyond the journey-level classification of the series. They serve as subject matter experts performing the most difficult work and specialized assignments in public assistance programs and act as lead workers for less experienced employees.

Ideal Candidate:  The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong emphasis on continuous quality improvement; strong work ethic and ability to prioritize assigned work tasks and follow through in a timely manner; skills necessary to lead, direct and train other eligibility staff; excellent listening and strong written and verbal communication skills; exceptional customer service skills and initiative; solution based problem solving skills; experience in maintaining cooperative relations and communications with customers, management, and staff; ability to maintain a high standard of professionalism; proficiency in Microsoft Office as well as basic knowledge of software and database programs.

Typical Duties of an Eligibility Specialist III Include: 

• Providing lead direction and/or training to a unit of workers determining eligibility of applicants. 

• Assisting in the development and implementation of procedures.

• Providing services to drop-in clients, performing local help desk functions, completing specialized assignments in areas of investigations, quality assurance and control and fair hearings.

• Explaining regulations, rules and policies to clients and apprising them of their rights and responsibilities and eligibility for participation.

• Organizing and prioritizing caseload/workload so that necessary case records and documents are processed and updated within specific time limits.

• Troubleshooting tasks and/or case issues to determine appropriate resolution of problems.

• Responding to questions and complaints of clients in person, by telephone, mail and/or email communication; participating in special projects, studies, work assignments, meetings, conferences and committees.

Controversial Issues: As an Eligibility Specialist you may be required to take actions that conflict with your own values. An Eligibility Specialist must be able to accept customers' differences and interact with them in a non-judgmental manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year full-time experience in an Eligibility Specialist II classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) County;

• Three (3) years of full-time experience determining eligibility for public assistance programs in a public human services agency.

License & Special Requirements:

• A valid California Class C driver’s license or alternative form of transportation may be required for some positions at the time of appointment.  Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The department is currently recruiting for one (1) anticipated vacancy.

In addition, Tehama County is establishing an eligibility list to fill future vacancies for an Eligibility Specialist III, as well as subsequent vacancies, which occur during the life of the eligibility list.