Screener

Overview

This recruitment will be used to fill full-time and relief positions. 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 with 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 determines initial and continuing eligibility, authorizes aid payments, initiates case changes, performs in-depth interactive interviewing, and applies extensive multiple aid program knowledge.

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.

• 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 Specialists.
• Refers applicants in need of immediate services to appropriate resources.
• Performs additional tasks related to case records.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

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

• 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.

• THIS RECRUITMENT WILL BE USED TO FILL FULL-TIME AND RELIEF POSITIONS.

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. 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.

A departmental open eligible list will be…