ELIGIBILITY WORKER I - JC

Duties Summary:

As an entry level trainee, receives training in the philosophy, goals, functions, policies and procedures of State and Federal Public Assistance programs; recommends and/or determines eligibility for public assistance on selected cases; and performs other duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This class reflects a beginning level of assignment where an Eligibility Worker receives on-the-job and classroom training in matters relating to the correct application of regulations pertaining to eligibility determinations; the philosophy and standards of services for the department's public assistance programs; and public and private agencies' roles and services.

The least complicated cases are selected as first assignments for an incumbent of this class and are performed under close supervision. As the Eligibility Worker demonstrates an understanding of basic responsibilities, routine work is performed with less supervision and the worker may be authorized to independently determine eligibility and authorize payments for selected cases. In addition, work of a gradually more complex nature is assigned for training purposes. A supervisor is always available to provide instruction and assistance on all new assignments and as otherwise necessary.

Basic Education/Experience Requirements:

Experience requiring the ability to read, comprehend and apply written directions and a high degree of verbal skill in addition to the ability to make basic mathematical computations, including percentages and averages. This experience may be met from part-time and/or unpaid work. There must, however, be evidence that participation was on a continuous basis but not necessarily on a full-time normal work basis. This requirement may also be met by possession of a high school diploma, or equivalent.

General Experience: Three years of work experience which involved meeting and dealing effectively with people and which demonstrated the ability to: (1) establish and sustain positive relationships with people; (2) provide and elicit pertinent information; and (3) recognize and identify basic human needs and motivations.

Examples of acceptable work experience are: (1) a para-professional who maintained close and continuing relationships with clients; and (2) a para-legal assistant or life insurance salesperson who has established a positive relationship with clients in providing and eliciting information and in providing advice/guidance. Examples of non-acceptable work experience include a person with work experience as a retail store sales clerk, general office clerk, car insurance salesperson, or service station attendant.

Substitutions Allowed: Successful completion of thirty semester credit hours of coursework from an accredited college or university which included at least six semester credit hours of coursework in psychology, sociology, social work, or other behavioral science may be substituted for the General Experience on a year-for-year basis.