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Career Opportunity

Program Specialist – Alignment and Guidance, Welfare to Work, and Investigations - Human Services Agency (2913) (138202)

Recruitment: RTF0138201-01085022

Published: September 19, 2023

Contact:

Josephus Cassell - Josephus.Cassell@sfgov.org
Anthony Le - anthony.le@sfgov.org
Carmen Ng - carmen.ng@flysfo.com

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal Learn More

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Department: Human Services Agency
Job class: 2913-Program Specialist
Salary range: $99,996.00 - $121,524.00
Role type: Temporary Exempt What does this mean?
Hours: Full-time
 

About:

The Human Services Agency (HSA) has multiple vacancies for the 2913 Program Specialist position.

The Job Description section below describes the different departments, and task and duties.

These vacancies are also for different durations. They may be from six (6) months to three (3) years in length. The details for each are as follows:

A Temporary Exempt (TEX) Category (CAT) 16 appointment shall not exceed six (6) months. Per CSC Rule 114, Article VI, Sec. 114.26.7.

A Temporary Exempt (TEX) Category (CAT) 17 appointment shall not exceed two (2) years or four (4) six (6) month increments. Per CSC Rule 114, Article VI, Sec. 114.26.7.

 A Temporary Exempt (TEX) Category (CAT) 18 appointment shall not exceed three (3) years in (6) six-month increments. Per CSC Rule 114, Article VI, Sec. 114.26.7.

At the San Francisco Human Services Agency, we believe in a San Francisco where everyone has the opportunity and support to achieve their full potential.  We are comprised of the Department of Benefits and Family Support, and the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS), and are united by our commitment to deliver essential services that support and protect people, families, and communities.

From financial, nutritional and employment support to child and adult protective services, health care coverage, affordable childcare, and in-home services for older adults and persons with disabilities, our team lends support for all in need.

Our Commitment to Racial Equity

As we work towards our vision of an inclusive San Francisco, we embrace our responsibility to root out systemic racism by creating services and a workforce which reflect the lived experiences and strengths of the people we serve. We are committed to fostering a work environment where our differences are celebrated and everyone has what they need to thrive--no matter their race, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or country of origin. Click here to learn more about what this commitment looks like in action.

Role description

Program Specialist are responsible for carrying out specialized functions for an assigned program and performing specialized duties which require a comprehensive knowledge of Federal, State, Local and departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Specific details regarding the three (3) Programs and vacancies are below:

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job class and are not intended to be an inclusive list; may include additional duties as assigned. 

FOR Alignment and Guidance (A&G)

Under the supervision of the A&G Policy Analyst, the program specialist will interpret Federal, State, and County policies, procedures, and regulations for CalFresh and Medi-Cal. Additionally, the program specialist will provide support and regulation guidance to eligibility staff in the context of developing business processes and case maintenance.

ESSENTIAL DUITES AND FUNCTIONS

  1. Attends State, Regional, CDSS and/or DHCS meetings as needed.
  2. Develops, writes and presents clear and concise desk guides, program memos, presentations, letters, and other written communications to staff on existing/new/updated rules, and related systems. Leads workgroups with various stakeholders (eligibility workers, supervisors, managers, analysts, etc.) to gather input and feedback on written material.
  3. Provides support in determining training needs and developing/evaluating training courses. Coordinate and conduct staff training. Maintains curriculum and training modules/material to reflect current regulations.
  4. Participates in a variety of meetings related to CalFresh and Medi-Cal eligibility determination. Acts as program liaison when needed.
  5. Provides coaching and support to Eligibility Workers and supervisors. Review programs casework as needed and shadow staff as needed.
  6. Provides troubleshooting assistance to staff on complex cases, identify root issues, and creates strategies to resolve the problem.
  7. Collaborates with Eligibility Workers, supervisors, and other relevant parties as part of workgroups to develop business processes.
  8. Supports the evaluation of program operations and activities and provides feedback for improvement.
  9. Generates and supports the analysis of program-related reports as needed.
  10. Reviews and test systems. Escalate and maintains a record of findings if system outcome is incorrect.
  11. Assists program with addressing and drafting required Federal, State, and County responses, including for Management Evaluations and audits.
  12. Supports efforts with internal and external partners on to assist individuals/families that are experiencing food insecurity and lack healthcare in accessing program benefits. Provides information on application assistance and benefit usage. Assist in administering systems access for external partners when needed.

FOR WELFARE TO WORK (WtW) 

CalWORKs provides temporary financial assistance and support to eligible families with (or expecting) children. Benefits include cash assistance, food, childcare, and health care coverage. CalWORKs also provides job and education assistance and other services, even after leaving the program. In most cases, all family members on CalWORKs who are 18 or older participate in the Welfare-to-Work employment services program. This program helps create individualized plans to succeed in work, training, school, or other activities. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

  1. Works closely with program management and staff on office logistics.
  2. Provides support on the Launchpad and SharePoint systems.
  3. Trains staff on the Launchpad system and writes user manuals.
  4. Facilitates and contributes to short and long-term projects and workgroups.
  5. Organizes and prepares written material for use in various formats including hard copy memos, manuals, and reports, and interactive online resources.

FOR INVESTIGATIONS (INV)

Under general supervision, the program specialist conducts program integrity investigations related to a significant increase in instances of EBT card fraud against HSA clients. The specialist will resolve fraudulent EBT transactions to help victimized clients get their benefits reimbursed as quickly as possible. The specialist will assist with the increased number of EBT card skimming occurrences. Under general supervision, the specialist will conduct program integrity investigations related to State-and locally-funded public assistance programs including: IHSS, CalWORKS, CAAP and CalFresh. As assigned, also conduct administrative investigations such as in response Whistleblower complaints and pre-litigation claims against the City.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

  1. Assists in conducting welfare fraud investigations with a focus on IHSS. Verifies information submitted by recipients and providers, identifies and investigates inconsistencies and suspected violations of program guidelines and criminal statutes.
  2. Maintains a comprehensive working knowledge of the requirements for eligibility for both recipients and providers in IHSS, and for clients in CalWORKS, CAAP and CalFresh programs.
  3. Collects, compiles, and preserves records and evidentiary case materials for IHSS, CalWORKS, and CalFresh fraud investigations.
  4. Conducts computer records searches including using DMV, CHANGES, EBT, CMIPS 2, and other confidential data sources, handling the materials as legally proscribed. Conducts public record searches and Internet searches.
  5. Conducts announced and unannounced field and home visits as assigned and permitted. Follows prescribed rules and regulations related to home visit protocols.
  6. Conducts field investigations and home visits often in situations requiring communication with individuals who may have medical (e.g. drug or alcohol), psychiatric or aggressive behavior problems.
  7. Regularly communicates effectively with investigators, attorneys, eligibility workers, social workers, representatives of other governmental agencies, and members of the public.
  8. Interviews witnesses and subjects of the fraud investigation.
  9. Analyzes and weighs evidence. Makes recommendations as to case outcomes.
  10. Maintains thorough documentation of casework and writes analytical investigative reports. Completes forms required by the State.
  11. Prepares cases and represents the department at hearings conducted by the State; presents oral arguments, examines witnesses, defends the department's interpretation of regulations and provides legally binding stipulations.
  12. Interviews witnesses and assists in arranging the appearance of witnesses at Court trials and hearings to present evidence. May testify in Court or at administrative hearings.

How to qualify

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the Social Services field performing duties in the area of eligibility determination, case management, data management, employment services or training.

License and Certification:  Some positions require possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.  

Special Requirements

Essential duties involve the following physical skill and work environment:

Ability to work in a typical office environment; most positions involve the physical activities of sitting, standing, and lifting 5-10 lbs., and the ability to travel to different sites and conduct home visits. May require hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for data entry and extensive VDT exposure.

Verification of Education and Experience:
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirements

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores. 

SELECTION PROCEDURES

The selection process will include evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements and assessment of candidates’ job-related knowledge, skills and abilities in an oral interview, which may include a written or performance exercise.

Depending on the number of applicants, the Department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate qualifications of candidates. If this becomes necessary, only those applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Department will be invited to continue in the selection process. Applicants meeting the minimum requirements are not guaranteed advancement in the selection process. 

What else should I know?

How to Apply

Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Visit https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CityAndCountyOfSanFrancisco1/ and begin the application process.

• Select the “I’m Interested” button and follow instructions on the screen 

Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com, @sfpl.org, @dcyf.org, @first5sf.org, @famsf.org, @ccsf.edu, @smartalerts.info, and @smartrecruiters.com).

Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst, Josephus Cassell, by telephone at (415) 439-3410 or by email at josephus.cassell@sfgov.org. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.