HS Client Benefit Specialist

Ventura County; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Plan

Educational Incentive

Health Plans

Flexible Workweek

Job summary

Ventura County is seeking a dedicated HS Client Benefit Specialist to determine eligibility for public assistance programs and to assist clients with applications. The role requires interviewing clients, collecting financial and personal data, and coordinating with multiple departments to ensure accurate benefits determination.

The ideal candidate will have public service experience, strong computer skills, and the ability to manage a high-volume workload with accuracy and discretion.

Qualifications

• Interview applicants and recipients of public assistance to determine eligibility.
• Explain services, program requirements, and procedures to clients.
• Process applications and maintain case records.
• Collaborate with other departments to coordinate services.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants to obtain financial and demographic information to determine initial eligibility.
• Explain program requirements and assist with applications.
• Process forms, record contacts, and maintain case files.
• Determine need for additional services and refer as needed.
• Collaborate with agency staff to ensure coordinated service delivery.

Skills

Interviewing

Public service

Time management

Organization

Communication

Detail oriented

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Two years experience

College coursework substituted

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

Be part of strengthening partnerships and join Ventura County as a HS Client Benefit Specialist!

OUR COUNTY AND COMMUNITYVentura County is located on California's "Gold Coast," approximately 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. The County includes 42 miles of coastline which is home to the following cities and points of interest: Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura as well as national protected areas such as parts of the Angeles National Forest, Channel Islands National Park, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.Ventura County’s beauty and weather combined with a wonderful quality of life are among the many reasons our residents choose to call Ventura County home.

The County of Ventura employs nearly 10,000 staff members who serve Ventura County residents, all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives. Each of us has a responsibility to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace and in our communities. Our County is proud to have a diverse workforce and providing a respectful and inclusive workplace is a priority and aligns with the County’s values.

THE AGENCYTo learn about the Human Services Agency HSA, click Who We Are to view a short video about our multiple departments. HSA is comprised of nearly 1400 staff members who serve approximately a third of Ventura County residents, all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and assist communities by bringing these values into the workforce.

THE POSITIONUnder general supervision, Human Services HS Client Benefit Specialist series performs operational functions related to the determination of eligibility for multiple public assistance and human services programs in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements. This recruitment will be used to fill multiple vacancies within the Humans Services Agency.

For an Inside Look at being a HS Client Benefit Specialist, click HERE to view a short video.

IDEAL CANDIDATEThe ideal candidate will have public service experience which includes interviewing customers/clients to obtain financial, employment, and personal demographic information, and processing applications to establish eligibility for services and benefits. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent computer skills and the ability to navigate with ease through complex computer systems. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a fast-paced environment, will successfully manage a large volume of work with competing priorities and deadlines. Additionally, the ideal candidate will excel in collaborating with co-workers at various levels in different departments, will be able to work well independently, and will have excellent organization, attention to detail, and time management skills.

Ideal candidates will possess the following competencies:

• Adaptability & Flexibility – Responding positively to change and fluidly modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail – Accomplishing tasks thoroughly with concern for all elements involved, however small
• Business/Technical Expertise – Skillfully applying specialized job-related knowledge
• Communication – Respectfully delivering pertinent, truthful, and timely information and comprehending information delivered by others
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – Analyzing and evaluating information, problems, and options with logic and good judgment
• Customer Service – Ensuring consistent, responsive, and superior delivery of services to internal and external stakeholders
• Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging – Embracing the County’s commitment to valuing individuals with varied backgrounds, promoting equal access and opportunity for all, and empowering others in their unique strengths
• Information Gathering – Proactively obtaining facts and data needed to effectively answer question, solve problems, or complete projects
• Mathematical Reasoning – Performing computations and solving numerical or statistical problems
• Professional Integrity & Ethics – Demonstrating high standards of conduct and consistently adhering to sound moral principles
• Reading Comprehension – understanding, analyzing, and applying written information
• Relationship Building – Developing and maintaining stable, mutually beneficial networks of cooperation among clients, coworkers, vendors, and other organizations
• Results Focus – Initiating tasks, meeting organizational goals, and committing to proficient accomplishment
• Self-Management – Exemplifying personal organization, dependability, and self-discipline
• Technology Utilization – Effectively and efficiently using electronic hardware, software applications, and other advanced tools to accomplish tasks and goals

WHAT WE OFFERThe County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package. Aside from our base salary range, an employee in this position may also be eligible for the following:

• Pension Plan- Participation in the County's defined pension plan, which has reciprocity with CalPERS.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
• Bilingual Incentive – Based on agency need,proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
• Merit Increases – New employees are eligible for an initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months) assuming work meets satisfactory standards. Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2,080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase.
• Flexible Workweek – We support work life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 workweek) subject to organizational needs, satisfactory performance, and completion of a probationary period.
• Vacation Accrual – New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.
• Sick Leave - Full time regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per bi-weekly pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.
• Health Plans –Full-time employees are given a flexible credit allowance of up to $26,626.86 annually to offset the purchase of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance for you and your dependents.
• Flexible Spending Accounts-Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental and vision care and/or dependent care expenses.
• Annual Leave Redemption – After 14,560 hours of continuous County service an employee may elect to cash in or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
• Holidays- 13 paid days per year which, includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Additional Benefits - Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program.
• To learn more about the benefits, please follow the link: SEIU MOU 2025-2029

Distinguishing Characteristics: Each successive level in the HS Client Benefit Specialist series is distinguished by scope of independence and responsibility. The level of position within the series is commensurate with the complexity of the tasks assigned within the discipline. Incumbents may perform work determining eligibility in multiple programs within the department and may also be reassigned to serve in other units or offices as needed by the department.

HS Client Benefit Specialist Trainee - 23.00 hourly: is a classroom and on-the-job training level in which the emphasis is on learning the basic regulatory and statutory requirements. Incumbents are hired at the Trainee level and work under direct supervision while learning the necessary policies and processes for success as a Client Benefit Specialist CBS employee. As a CBS Trainee, employees are given smaller caseloads and 100% of their work is reviewed. As employees progress through training, the caseload increases, and the percentage of work reviewed decreases based on individual performance. Upon successful completion of the training program, employees will transition to working in an assigned office. Incumbents are expected to progress toward competency as a HS Client Benefit Specialist I upon completion of the initial training period.

HS Client Benefit Specialist I - 26.23 - 27.62 hourly: is the first level in the classification series in which the emphasis is on learning casework methods, eligibility procedures, regulations, and policies. Incumbents carry a caseload under close supervision, and are expected to progress toward competency as a HS Client Benefit Specialist II.

HS Client Benefit Specialist II - 28.99 - 30.37 hourly: is the journey-level classification in which incumbents demonstrate working knowledge of eligibility regulations and procedures, are able to work with general rather than direct supervision, and handle more complex cases in consultation with the HS Client Benefit Specialist IV and/or Supervisor.

HS Client Benefit Specialist III - 30.37 - 33.34 hourly: is the advanced journey-level in the classification series. Incumbents assist with complex services under the lead of the HS Client Benefit Specialist IV, demonstrate working knowledge of eligibility requirements and comprehensive knowledge of the programs associated with their primary assignment, and serve as a resource for members of their unit

HS Client Benefit Specialist Trainee/I/II/III are represented by SEIU and are eligible for overtime compensation.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Interview applicants and/or recipients of public assistance programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, General Relief, CalWORKs, and Foster Care to obtain household composition, financial, employment, and personal demographic information to determine initial or continued eligibility.
• Explain services, benefits, program requirements and governmental procedures individually and/or in group settings; may provide assistance in the agency resource centers.
• Assess financial, personal and social information to determine applicant need, validate the system-determined benefit, and authorize issuance of benefits in a timely manner in accordance with regulatory and system deadlines, and local, state and federal compliance regulations, as well as internal performance standards.
• Contact individuals, public and private agencies, businesses, and other resources to verify information by telephone, mail, or home visits.
• Process applications, forms and reports, enter case information and record contacts into automated systems, and maintain paper and electronic case files.
• Review electronic and hard copy case records to determine basis of eligibility, benefit computation, compliance with program policies and procedures.
• Prepare a variety of written correspondence related to client eligibility, activity, and services provided.
• Provide client information to Agency case management staff in various departments, where appropriate, in an integrated, collaborative effort.
• Determine need for additional services and provide appropriate referrals and follow-up.
• As authorized, represent the Agency on related committees and taskforce groups.
• Assist in the training and development of new Client Benefit Specialist employees CBS II/III.
• Assist with the more difficult eligibility problems and/or perform special assignments CBS II/III.
• Prepare and/or assist in the development of correspondence and reports CBS II/III.
• Assist in conducting regular case reviews to assure compliance with regulations and procedures CBS III.
• Mentor new employees, provide consultation to less experienced employees, and serve as a resource person for co-workers CBS III.
• Provide occasional back-up for co-workers CBS III.
• Assist in development and presentation of training for less experienced personnel CBS III.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE

HS Client Benefit Specialist Trainee: At least two years of responsible experience that includes substantial work involving public contact, interviewing, math computations, completion of complex forms or eliciting information from the public (some examples of comparable experience may include experience within a call center, personnel office, employment office, unemployment office, disability insurance office, worker's compensation office, social security office, physician's office, insurance firm, social service agency, clerical, or similar): OR Completion of college coursework may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis (30 semester or 45 quarter units per year of experience).

HS Client Benefit Specialist I: Successful completion of at least three 3 to five and a half 5.5 months as a HS Client Benefit Specialist CBS Trainee; OR at least six months of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a public human services agency or comparable case management experience.

HS Client Benefit Specialist II: One year of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a public human services agency in the State of California, at the CBS I level.

HS Client Benefit Specialist III: Two years of experience determining eligibility for public assistance in a public human services agency in the State of California, at the CBS I/II level.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Beginner proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and email platforms, such as Outlook
• Excellent written communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
• Some positions may requirepossession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver license prior to appointment.
• May require flexible schedules, including evenings, at designated service locations to ensure adequate staffing coverage during extended hours to accommodate customer needs.

DESIRED

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Demonstrated skills in time management and organization.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high volume work environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in an office environment but may require visits to other organizations, agencies and departments, private businesses, client homes or work locations; and will require direct meetings with the public, co-located and external program partners and other community groups. Work locations, work schedules, and work units will vary, and may change as needed according to business needs and at the discretion of management. Worksite reassignments may occur due to changes in facilities or other operational requirements within the business.

COUNTY EMPLOYEES AS DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

When a disaster strikes of natural or man-made origin, Ventura County employees may be called upon to provide service to the community by assisting in emergency response efforts. This may require employees to work in other locations, different hours, and out of class. At the time of hire, all County employees will be required to sign an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Disaster Service Workers and Public Employees Sections 3102 and 3103, Government Code of California.

NOTE: This is an essential note about Equal Employment Opportunity etc. The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability and more.

RECRUITER CONTACT INFORMATION: For further information about this recruitment, please contact the hiring team via official channels.