Benefits Analyst III - Departmental Promotional Only

Salary : $77,563.20 - $96,990.40 Annually
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: G069R
Department: Human Services Agency
Opening Date: 12/20/2023
Closing Date: 1/8/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
The Human Services Agency is currently looking for qualified candidates for their Benefits Analyst III (BA III) positions. Under general supervision the Benefits Analyst III will perform a variety of tasks for recipients of public assistance in order to provide vocational development and job placement through assessment of customer skills and aptitudes and support of customers through to an ongoing employment situation; perform lead work; train new workers; assist in supervisory functions in the absence of the supervisor; and/or perform eligibility work in units such as Case Management Team (CMT), Foster Care, Intake Processing Center (IPC), Regional offices, or the Service Center.
There are currently 2 vacancies: 1 Unit lead BAIII and 1 Floating Lead BAIII both in Economic Self-Sufficiency.
Benefits Analyst III - Unit Lead - Economic Self Sufficiency
Under general supervision, theBenefits Analyst Unit Lead will perform a variety of tasks which may include (but are not limited to) the following: assist in the assigning, directing and reviewing the work of a unit of Benefits Analysts, perform lead work/tasks, train new workers, assist in supervisory functions in the absence of the supervisor, determine eligibility, and work directly with clients in the issuance of public assistance benefits. The ideal candidate will be diplomatic and a team player; will have a working knowledge of Public Assistance programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFRESH, General Assistance, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, and CalWORKS, and will have the ability to use CalSAWS, MEDS and other ESS systems.
Benefits Analyst III - Floating Lead - Economic Self Sufficiency
The primary responsibility of the Floater BAIII position will be to provide temporary/gap Lead BAIII coverage for any Economic Self Sufficiency unit as needed. This could require the position to report to any of the ESS offices for varying periods of time. When not assigned to provide gap Lead BAIII coverage the position will be assigned to the Mid Region. When not assigned to provide gap Lead coverage, duties may include but are not limited to assisting in addressing short term or temporary workload spikes or backlogs across ESS; participating in other ESS priority projects as needed.
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies within the same classification.
Examples Of Duties
In general, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Explain, interpret and clarify public assistance laws and regulations, agency resources, procedures to all staff.
• Conduct case reviews under the direction of supervisor.
• Develop solutions for emergency problems and expedite delivery of needed services for clients; assist staff with problems/issues on complicated cases.
• Prepare Fraud Referrals, Claim Determination Reports, overpayment/underpayment, Schedules and Referrals to the Special Investigation Unit.
• Develop and conduct training on caseload management procedures for new employees and in-service training for lower level Benefits Analysts.
• Prepare information for case records; write reports and correspondence.
• Work with supervisor in developing and conducting individual on-the-job training for new employees assigned to the unit or employees having difficulty in apply policies and procedures.
• Provide support and guidance to staff in difficult situations, including offering assistance in contact with clients in stressful situations.
• Conduct refresher trainings one-on-one, with a leads and supervisors, or by units using traditional classroom training, unit meetings, or e-Learning modules.
• Manage and maintain a caseload; determine eligibility and grant determination for more complex cases.
• Serve as back-up for the supervisor in his/her absence (i.e. sick leave, vacation, meetings, etc).
• Assist with assignment, direction and case work review of a team of Benefits Analysts to ensure proper operation of the unit.
• Provide staff with program and/or procedural informational resources as well as customer referral resources, both within the county and/or in the community.
• Participate in special assignments as needed (i.e. workgroups and committees).
• Manage and maintain a caseload/work load with the ability to multi-task and meet conflicting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Department Status: An applicant must be a current Human Services Agency employee with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help position prior to the recruitment closing date.
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is two years of experience performing public assistance eligibility work in a welfare department.
Knowledge of:

• Principles and procedures of eligibility determination and grant maintenance.
• Functions of public social services and agencies.
• Public assistance laws and regulations.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Client problems which require referral for casework services.
• Modern office procedures, equipment and practices.
• Principles of training.
• Principles and practices of the specialty unit to which assigned.
• Office procedures and practices, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Automated systems.

Skill/Ability to:

• Train employees.
• Resolve casework problems and make recommendations for solution.
• Interpret and apply welfare laws, rules and regulations.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Organize and maintain a heavy workload on a current basis and within set deadlines.
• Interview effectively and secure the cooperation of customers in obtaining pertinent personal information.
• Make arithmetic computations quickly and accurately.
• Utilize data processing systems.
• Prepare, maintain and interpret reports and records.
• Work under pressure and with frequent interruptions.

Application/Examination
Departmental Promotional Only. Only current employees of the Human Services Agency with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply.
The examination process will consist of an application screening based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button.If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted in addition to the standard County employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials.Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Monday, January 8, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PSTScreening: Tuesday, January 9, 2024Combined Panel Interviews: Wednesday, January 24, 2024
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities. The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.
Analyst: Arlene Cahill (Benefit Analyst III - G069)
Please visit for a complete listing of all benefits for this classification.
Benefits are offered to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. All benefits are subject to change.
As an additional benefit, the County offers extensive training and development programs designed to improve skills and enhance career opportunities. Most programs are offered on County time at no cost to you.
County employees are also covered by the federal Social Security system and earn benefits for retirement based on salary and time worked.
01
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experience related to this position. This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process. Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will NOT be accepted as a substitute for your responses.

• I have read and understand this important information. Proceed to supplemental questions.

02
This recruitment is Departmental Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo employees in the Human Services Agency with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date may apply. Are you currently a Human Services Agency employee in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, and SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date with at least 1040 hours of continuous service? (A "No" answer will disqualify you from this recruitment.)

• Yes
• No

03
Which of the following public assistance programs do you have professional experience working with? (Select any that apply)

• Health Coverage
• CalFresh
• CalWORKs
• General Assistance (GA)
• Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)

04
Which of the following best demonstrates your specific knowledge, skills, ability and work experience that relate to the Benefits Analyst III position? (Please select one answer.)

• Knowledge and direct experience in all of the following Public Assistance Programs: CalWORKs, CalFresh, General Assistance and Medi-Cal. Experience includes determining eligibility, reviewing cases, and handling/leading complex projects. Also includes knowledge and ability in using computer programs such as CalSAWS, MEDS and/or Quest.
• Knowledge and direct experience in two of the four Public Assistance Programs (CalWORKs, CalFresh, General Assistance and/or Medi-Cal). Experience includes determining eligibility, reviewing cases, and handling/leading projects. Also includes knowledge and ability in using computer programs such as CalSAWS, MEDS and/or Quest.
• Knowledge and direct experience in one of the four Public Assistance Programs (CalWORKs, CalFresh, General Assistance or Medi-Cal). Experience includes determining eligibility, reviewing cases, and handling/leading projects. Also includes knowledge and ability in using computer programs such as CalSAWS, MEDS and/or Quest.
• Limited knowledge and little/no direct experience of Public Assistance Programs (CalWORKs, CalFresh, General Assistance or Medi-Cal). No direct experience in determining eligibility, reviewing cases, or handling/leading projects. Knowledge/ability in using computer programs such as CalSAWS, MEDS and/or Quest is limited to data entry or client inquiries.
• No experience with Public Assistance Programs. No knowledge of associated computer programs such as CalSAWS, MEDS and/or Quest.

05
Describe your knowledge and experiences working with the public assistance programs you listed above (Health Coverage, CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Assistance, and/or Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants). Be specific on your role and capacity in with you worked with these programs.
06
Describe in detail your experience providing training to staff, clients and/or co-workers. Include specific information about: A.<...