Screener

COUNTY OF MENDOCINO; Ukiah (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Mendocino is seeking a Screener to support public assistance programs. The role involves interviewing applicants, explaining program rules, and gathering information for processing.

Under limited supervision, you will enter data into automated systems, schedule appointments, and make referrals to health, social, or employment services. Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged.

Qualifications

• Two years of full-time clerical experience with substantial public contact.

Responsibilities

• Provide general information, forms, and declaration forms to applicants.
• Explain policies, procedures, and requirements to applicants.
• Perform initial application interview for public assistance programs.
• Enter data accurately into an automated system.
• Schedule applicant appointments with Eligibility Workers.
• Refer applicants in need of immediate services to appropriate resources.
• Maintain and update case records as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Public contact

Interviewing

Data entry

Verbal & written communication

Office basics

Job description

The Position The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions in a variety of locations throughout the County, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium. The current vacancy is in Fort Bragg. Under limited supervision, the Screener assists applicants for public assistance programs; explains policies and procedures; gathers and verifies facts and information; initiates cases through an automated system; makes appropriate referrals for health, social and/or employment services; and performs related work as required. The Screener is a specialized clerical classification. Incumbents in this class have primary responsibility for performing the application screening interview and related functions. Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply.

Job Requirements And Minimum Qualifications

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

• Provides general information, application forms, and declaration forms.
• Explains policies, procedures, and requirements to applicants to apprise them of their rights and responsibilities.
• Performs initial application interview for public assistance programs and services.
• Ensures accuracy and completion of application and declaration forms.
• Questions applicants to gather and verify information and enter information directly into an automated computer system.
• Schedules applicant appointments with Eligibility Workers.
• Refers applicants in need of immediate services to appropriate resources.
• Performs additional tasks related to case records.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience: Two (2) years of full-time experience performing clerical office support duties, including one (1) year at the journey level. Experience must have included substantial public contact.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Modern office practices, methods, and procedures.
• General goals and purpose of public social services programs.
• Computer terminology and computer keyboard arrangement.

Ability To

• Learn the basic principles of the department's automated systems.
• Learn and apply the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to initial application for public assistance.
• Learn appropriate questioning content and techniques for interviewing applicants.
• Enter data accurately into automated system.
• Locate, identify, and correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Answer a variety of questions related to department programs and the application process.
• Make referrals to appropriate agencies and social service programs.
• Exercise sound judgment when initiating processes, actions, and alternatives within established procedures and regulations.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
• Follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to: walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and push, pull, move or lift above and below the neck objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process

All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing

The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at [phone]. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements

Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

Learn More

• E-Verify Notice of Participation (Download PDF reader)
• Right to Work (Download PDF reader)

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY

Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT

Covered Under Social Security And The 1937 Act; Both Employees And The County Pay Into The Retirement Fund. For The Most Current Information Regarding County Retirement Please Go To https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/Government/Affiliated-Agencies/Mendocino-County-Employees-Retirement-Association

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE

Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION

Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE

Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE

The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE

For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/All-Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits/Employee-Health-Benefits

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/All-Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits/Employee-Assistance-Program

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM

For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/All-Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits/Employee-Wellness-Program-MCWOW

LABOR CONTRACTS

For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/All-Departments/Human-Resources/Labor-Relations

The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.