Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Under close supervision to determine initial eligibility and recertify eligibility for individuals applying for various human service programs; to conduct orientation for prospective applicants to make appropriate referrals; and to perform other tasks or assignments as required.

This is the first level class in the Intake Worker series. Incumbents receive instruction and practical experience in procedures used in eligibility determination for various human service programs with different sets of requirements, screening, referring clients to a variety of activities and in explaining activities and eligibility requirements in group and individual sessions. Incumbents are usually assigned a limited workload, which increases in size as they gain proficiency. The Intake Worker I differs from the next higher class of Intake Worker II, in that it is the entry level position and receives a greater degree of supervision.

The class is distinguished from the Eligibility Worker series in that the Intake Worker classes determine eligibility for services and the Eligibility Workers determine eligibility for public assistance programs and income maintenance.

Conducts group orientation sessions explaining different programs, activities and eligibility requirements; reviews a variety of information to determine eligibility of applicants; conducts interviews to gather information for determination of eligibility; assists applicants in completion and clarification of forms; elicits pertinent information such as income, employment status and other information as required by the regulations; uses established standards to interpret information given by each applicant to make eligibility determination and priority group assignment; resolves with applicant any discrepancies; recertifies applicants after established timeframes; prepares a variety of weekly, monthly and as needed reports; gives information by phone and to walk-ins; completes special projects as required; may administer basic skills tests; may assess participant's previous skills and abilities, employment background, educational attainment and career goals to determine appropriate referral; may act as a liaison between applicants and State Employment Service Agency; inputs and accesses data using a computer.

• Working knowledge of record keeping practices;
• Working knowledge of methods of organizing work;
• Some knowledge of interviewing techniques for obtaining factual information;
• Some knowledge of the general goals of assigned program (s).

• Effectively interview and screen persons to obtain appropriate information necessary to make eligibility determinations;
• Exercise good judgment in determining eligibility of applicants from information supplied;
• Complete and review paperwork requiring a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy;
• Communicate effectively with a wide variety of persons including difficult individuals;
• Read, understand, explain and apply complex local, State and/or Federal regulations, policies and procedures;
• Perform basic analytical work involving simple mathematical calculations;
• Effectively organize large quantities of work to meet frequent deadlines;
• Learn to input and access data using a computer.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this knowledge would be:

One year of journey level clerical experience, which involves public contact, which demonstrates application, or possession of the knowledge and abilities listed above. Other training or experience, which directly relates to the knowledge and abilities, may be substituted on an hour for hour basis.