Self Sufficiency Counselor English and Spanish Bilingual

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future bilingual and non-bilingual vacancies within the Health & Human Services Agency. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.

Multiple vacancies are with the Health & Human Services Agency. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

Spanish bilingual designated positions are entitled to an additional $.63 (cents) per hour. A Spanish proficiency exam will be required. Applicants must be fluent in the ability to read, write, and speak in the Spanish language as well as in English.

Self Sufficiency Counselor Video, Come Join Us!

Typical Duties

• Manage a workload involving determination of initial and ongoing eligibility for one or more public assistance programs, case narratives, and budget computations.
• Interview and assess applicants to assist them in completion of application and declaration forms upon which eligibility decisions are based.
• Gather information to determine eligibility to receive public assistance.
• Interpret and explain rules, regulations, and policies to clients and applicants, and the general public.
• Review applications and declarations for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.

For a full list of duties for this position, please click here .

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth(12 th ) grade.

Experience:

• One (1) year of public contact experience, which would include basic interviewing for the purpose of gathering information to assist with determining eligibility for services and explaining policies, processes, or clarifying information needed of clients or customers.

Equivalencies for Experience:

• Or one (1) year experience equivalent to a Self Sufficiency Support Assistant.
• Or six (6) months experience equivalent to a participant in an employment training service or youth transition program(s) within Tulare County.

Knowledge of:

• Basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions, and percentages.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Record keeping principles.
• Federal, State, and local rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Public assistance case files documentation requirements.
• Terminology relating to eligibility determinations and case data processing.
• Categories of public assistance and social services available to clients.
• Workload management methods and record keeping techniques.
• Accurate grammar in a manner that is clear, well-organized, and follows a logical progression to ensure the writing is tailored to the intended audience or purpose.
• Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook

Skill/Ability to:

• Work, display empathy, and communicate effectively with people from a broad range of cultures, lifestyles, education and socioeconomic backgrounds and levels by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
• Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
• Complete multiple priority projects with strict deadlines.
• Recognize and maintain confidentiality of client information and records.
• During a county emergency, work outside regular working hours and may work on-call to respond to emergencies.
• Read and interpret rules, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to public assistance to applicants and recipients.
• Effectively apply interviewing and listening techniques sufficient to obtain information from applicants in various emotional states.
• Accurately apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Collect and evaluate information, draw valid conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations and referrals.
• Assist with verifying information obtained from applicants, in accordance with program policy.
• Prepare materials for presentations to individuals and groups.
• Write clear, concise, and grammatically correct narratives, reports, records, and correspondence.
• Follow written and verbal directions, seek guidance when appropriate.
• Retain and recall pertinent information such as regulations and client data.
• Adjust to changes in workload priorities and demands, and coordinate work with others under stress of deadlines.
• Strategically organize and allocate time to complete tasks that align with goals, priorities, and deadlines without compromise to quality. Maintain productivity despite frequent interruptions.
• Use patience, active listening, tact, and courtesy in dealing with clients and co-workers.
• Keep systematic and accurate records.
• Establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Work independently.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Community resources available to assist clients.
• Local employment and training resources.
• Social Services client appeals process.
• Training methods and techniques.
• Principles of supervision, evaluation, and training.
• The operating procedures and policies of the HHSA TulareWORKs Division.

Skill/Ability to:

• Speak Spanish, or other client language.
• Learn and utilize automated eligibility determination systems.
• Represent the department and give testimony at hearings.
• Prepare, organize, and give oral presentations.
• Learn principles and practices of supervision, evaluation, and training.
• Train and instruct staff on policies, procedures, and techniques.

Additional Information

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bargaining Unit 4

The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.

Benefit Amount: An annual benefit amount is provided and may be applied towards health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability). This benefit is pro-rated and paid on a pay period basis (24 pay periods).

Health Insurance: A choice of PPO and HMO medical plans which include PPO and HMO dental plans and include dental and vision coverage. Dependent coverage is available. Providers include Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and Vision Services Plan (VSP).

Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.

Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days and 1 personal holiday.

Vacation Accrual:
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11+ years of service)
Limit of 300 hours.

Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation, 60 hours of which may be used toward family sick leave.

Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D: $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.

Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by State Disability Insurance. The premium is paid by the employee.

Deferred Compensation: A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.

To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/

The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.

Closing Date/Time: 5/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• Tulare County Health and Human Services

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