Job Description

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.

The Screener differs from the Office Assistant III, in that the latter may perform application screening interviews as a duty, while having primary responsibility for other advanced clerical functions. The Screener differs from the Eligibility Specialist in that the Eligibility Specialist classification determines initial and continuing eligibility, authorizes aid payments, initiates case changes, performs in-depth interactive interviewing, and applies extensive multiple aid program knowledge.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

Incumbents in the Screener classification receive supervision from an Eligibility Supervisor or other higher-level supervisor or manager. A Screener has no responsibility for directing or supervising others, and is responsible for own work only.

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 either in person or over the phone.
• 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 Specialists.
• Refers applicants in need of immediate services to appropriate resources.
• Performs additional tasks related to case records.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:

• 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.

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION – WEIGHTED 100%

The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate’s knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.

Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin.

ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION

A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Imperial. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.

RETEST PERIOD

Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date.

 
SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTS
Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at mssprogram@calhr.ca.gov or 916-909-3701 upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.

EDUCATION DOCUMENTS

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

GENERAL INFORMATION
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

MSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified.

If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination. Your performance in this examination will be rated against predetermined rating criteria. All competitors who pass will be added to the eligible list. Meeting the entry requirements does not assure success in the examination or placement on the eligible list.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. As part of the hiring process, a background investigation may be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment. Employees may also be required to drive their own car and provide proof of car insurance. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• This position may require pre-employment drug testing, a physical examination, and fingerprinting for a background investigation.
• Government agencies accessing US government information, which include federal tax information must ensure that background investigation requirements for all agency employees and contractors that have access to federal tax information are consistent to the IRS background investigation requirements for access to federal tax information.
• Employees may be required to work with clients of various age groups and clients with mental health issues, physical health issues, substance abuse issues, victims of abuse and/or domestic violence, at risk of abuse, and financial instability.
• Employees may encounter hostile and emotionally troubled clients, including children, parents and adults under the influence of controlled substances and alcohol.
• Employees will be required to represent the County in administrative appeals and fair hearings.
• The ability to speak, read, and write Spanish in addition to English would be an asset in this position. Applicants for English/Spanish bilingual designated positions must take and pass the bilingual proficiency examination administered by the California Department of Human Resources, Merit System Services.

• Please note: Effective February 11, 2020, Extra-Help employees are eligible to apply for this position. Please refer to the Extra-Help Pilot Program available online through the Human Resources website for eligibility criteria. Extra-Help employees certified by Human Resources will be eligible to apply for inter/intra departmental recruitments. To become certified, the extra-help employee must meet one of the following criteria: (1) have worked for the County for one (1) consecutive year at the time the recruitment is officially opened; or (2) have been hired for formal recruitment. 

• This position may be stationed at one of the various County of Imperial Department of Social Services offices, located in Calexico, El Centro, and Brawley. At times, the position may be required to work out of the various Family Resources Centers located at the following sites : Holtville, Niland, Salton City, Winterhaven, Calipatria, Palo Verde, Ocotillo, and Seeley.

• All Imperial County employees are considered Disaster Service Workers and might be required to take the associated FEMA training. As a State of Calif. disaster service worker, employees may be required to work during a declared emergency or disaster.

ABOUT IMPERIAL COUNTY 

Imperial County is located in the Imperial Valley in the southeast of California, bordering Arizona and Mexico, with the Colorado River forming the County's eastern boundary. Imperial County is a major agricultural center, producing half of the nation's winter vegetables, as well as extensive renewable resources, such as geothermal, wind, and solar. Off-road enthusiasts are drawn to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation area, and the Colorado River is a popular destination for watersports, including fishing, boating, and water skiing. Fans of the popular movie, The Return of the Jedi, will recognize the Algodones Sand Dunes, where the movie was filmed. 

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