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Application Information Regarding the Nature of Work Performed
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INTRODUCTION
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Submitting an application is the first step toward a valuable and rewarding career as an
Eligibility Worker. We offer this additional information in an effort to provide you with
a clear understanding of the nature of the job and its requirements. Please take the time
to review this information prior to submitting an application.
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NATURE OF WORK
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The primary function of an Eligibility Worker involves determining the eligibility of
applicants and recipients for public assistance programs. The work performed includes
processing of a broad range of paperwork and entering information into a computer-based
eligibility system with very time sensitive agency and legal deadlines. Typical duties
include:
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Acting as the first contact for individuals seeking public assistance.
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Interviewing applicants and recipients (clients) to obtain and verify information
needed to determine initial and/or ongoing eligibility for public assistance.
This often requires obtaining information in difficult and/or emotional situations
on issues such as earnings and financial obligations and/or parental status and
living arrangements and maintaining control of the interview if the client becomes
hostile or angry over the interview questions.
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Learning numerous state and federal program regulations and specific county
practices through intensive training prior to full case assignment and ongoing
training thereafter. The work of an Eligibility Worker is highly regulation
driven with ongoing reliance on regulations.
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Instructing clients in the completion of various forms and reviewing applications
for completeness and consistency.
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Explaining program benefits, requirements and procedures, including eligibility
factors, to public assistance clients.
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In some cases, visiting clients in their homes for the purpose of obtaining and
verifying information.
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Determining program eligibility in accordance with current regulations using the
computer-based eligibility system.
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Researching questionable information provided by an applicant until satisfactory
explanations regarding eligibility status are confirmed.
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Reporting cases where fraud is suspected.
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Advising clients of deadlines, timeframes, and necessary actions to be taken.
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Working with clients who often do not take the necessary actions within the
required timeframe.
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Establishing and maintaining multiple case files through regular updating and review.
Documenting all communications and contacts with clients.
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Planning and organizing a large caseload, ensuring that accuracy levels are
maintained and that cases are processed within the specified timeframes set by
federal and state regulations.
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Preparing system generated documents necessary to initiate, continue, and/or modify
public assistance.
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Computing and authorizing grant amounts based on financial and family status.
Computing CalWORK’s budgets, Medi-Cal budgets, General Assistance budgets, and Food
Stamps in order to calculate grants.
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Reviewing and explaining to clients public assistance amounts and authorizing
payment of monthly benefits.
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Providing information and making routine referrals to resources available through
the County and within the community for clients desiring or needing services. In
some cases, Eligibility Workers also refer clients to and communicate with Social
Workers and other staff to coordinate family services. Note: An Eligibility
Worker’s responsibilities do not include social service casework. An Eligibility
Worker is not responsible for working with clients to attempt to resolve their
personal or social problems.
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Keeping up to date on changes in rules, laws, procedures, etc. that affect
processing timelines.
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Eligibility Workers are expected to handle a high volume of work which is deadline driven.
Applicants must be able to prioritize, plan and project their work, but at the same time be
flexible to changes at any moment, such as unscheduled visits from clients.
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| It is important to understand that
the actions you take as an Eligibility Worker impact the lives of clients
and their families. |
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CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
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As an Eligibility Worker you may be required to take actions that conflict with your own
values. An Eligibility Worker must be able to accept clients’ differences and interact with
them in a non-judgmental manner. Some of the controversial issues encountered in an
Eligibility Worker environment include:
- Granting Medi-Cal for clients requesting abortions
- Granting Medi-Cal to minors without their parent’s knowledge
- Clients with AIDS and other communicable diseases
- Applicants/recipients involved in welfare fraud
- Clients who have substance abuse dependency
- Clients who are domestic violence victims
- Clients who are mentally ill
- Clients with felony convictions
- Homeless individuals and families
- Elderly and/or disabled clients placed in long-term care facilities
- Mandatory report of child and adult abuse
- Clients whose life style, culture and/or values may be significantly different than
your own
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| If you are interested in applying for
an entry-level position as an Eligibility Worker in one of the 30 Interagency
Merit Counties, click on Career
Opportunities and follow the instructions. |
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