ABOLISHED 01/08/2015 PER PAY LETTER 15-05 - Victim Compensation Specialist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established June 26, 1980

Scope

This series specification describes the Victim Compensation Specialist class series used in the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board to administer the Victims of Crime Program. These classes are used for positions that perform or supervise work involving examining, investigating, verifying, and processing of Victims of Crime Compensation claims for monetary reimbursement.

Definition of Series

Victim Compensation Specialists examine, investigate, and verify all types of victim compensation claims; make eligibility determinations or deny claims; substantiate the nature and extent of injuries; obtain information and investigate and verify reimbursement sources including, but not limited to, private health insurance, Medi-Cal, Disability Insurance, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, life, auto, and home insurance, civil law suits, and Worker's Compensation for claimed medical, mental health, income and support, and funeral and burial losses; document all actions and decisions; prepare correspondence and reports; provide ongoing case management activities; communicate with law enforcement and other governmental agencies, claimants, representatives, and providers concerning information relevant to the claim throughout the duration of the claim; and may be required to make oral presentations. Victim Compensation Supervisors plan, organize, supervise, and direct the activities of individuals performing the above activities.

Definition of Levels

Victim Compensation Specialist

The class of Victim Compensation Specialist is the recruiting, training, and journey level class for persons performing victim compensation claims examination work. Under close supervision, incumbents receive classroom and on-the-job training in the fundamentals of victim compensation claims examination and eligibility determination. As incumbents progress, they perform a full range of claims examination work, including the investigation of the most difficult and complex cases with minimal supervision and a considerable degree of independence. Experienced incumbents in this class may act in a �lead� capacity over lower-level staff.

Victim Compensation Supervisor

This is the supervisory level. Incumbents plan, direct, organize, and review the work of a group of Victim Compensation Specialists; coordinate efforts of the group with other program staff, as well as local city and county victim services agencies; train and provide guidance to staff in claims processing activities; and assist Victims of Crime Program management in the implementation of program goals, objectives, and policies.

Minimum Qualifications

Victim Compensation Specialist

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service applying laws, rules, regulations, and policies in the processing of claims and/or customer complaints in a class equivalent in level of responsibility to that of a Program Technician II.

Or II

Equivalent to graduation from college. (Incumbent must provide evidence of registration as a senior in a recognized educational institution to be admitted to the examination, and must secure evidence of graduation or its equivalent before being considered eligible for appointment.)

Or III

Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college course work, including a total of 18 semester units or 28 quarter units in a combination of the following subject areas: English, business law, communication, business administration, public administration, sociology, psychology, or criminal justice. and

Two years of public contact experience providing services or information.

Or IV

One year of experience verifying claims in a local governmental agency's victim-witness center and certified by the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board as having completed the required courses for certification.

Or V

Two years of experience performing claims review, investigative, and adjustment duties for a public or private insurance, health, welfare, or disability benefit plan company, criminal justice organization, medical or mental health organization, governmental victim-witness center, or victim services agency.

Victim Compensation Supervisor

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing duties equivalent to those of a Victim Compensation Specialist, Range�C. (Candidates who have satisfactorily completed six months of performance in the duties of a Victim Compensation Specialist, Range C, will be admitted to the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete 12 months of experience in Range C before they will be eligible for appointment.)

Or II

Equivalent to graduation from college. (Incumbent must provide evidence of registration as a senior in a recognized educational institution to be admitted to the examination, and must secure evidence of graduation or its equivalent before being considered eligible for appointment.)

Or III

Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college course work, including a total of 18 semester units or 28 quarter units in a combination of the following subject areas: English, business law, communication, business administration, public administration, sociology, psychology, or criminal justice. and

Two years of experience performing claims review, investigative, and adjustment duties for a public or private insurance, health, welfare or disability benefit plan company, criminal justice organization, medical or mental health organization, victim-witness center, or victim services agency.

Or IV

Three years of experience verifying claims in a local governmental agency's victim-witness center and certified by the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board as having completed the required courses for certification.

Or V

Four years of experience performing technical or supervisory work in claims review, investigative, and adjustment duties for a public or private insurance health, welfare, or disability benefit plan company, medical or mental health organization, criminal justice organization, medical or mental health organization, or a victim services agency.

Competencies

Victim Compensation Specialist

Competencies are clusters of the required knowledge and abilities that are needed to successfully perform the work of the class.

Verbal Communication: Expresses ideas and facts to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; effectively explains applicable laws, rules, policies, or procedures to individuals contacted during the conduct of business; is able to cite the governing authority for policies and procedures; and deals effectively with the public or groups who may not agree or understand the laws, rules, policies, or procedures.

Written Communication: Ability to create original correspondence or reports to respond to requests for information or provide basis for decision; written work demonstrates a good understanding of the subject matter, taking into account the intended audience; and reflects correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, structure, etc.

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates courtesy, tact, and empathy; relates well to persons of varied backgrounds; works and communicates with claimants, representatives, providers, and victim-witness centers, etc., providing information and satisfying their expectations; adapts to changing requirements, policies, schedules, and tasks (i.e., flexibility); effectively demonstrates ability to listen and respond in a controlled and effective manner; and deals with sensitive, graphic, and/or violent subject matter.

Problem Solving: Effectively evaluates situations; effectively demonstrates a good understanding of the key issues and is able to address related issues; has an in-depth understanding of frequently reoccurring issues; demonstrates the ability to arrive at a logical and correct common sense approach to problem solving and takes an effective course of action; and has knowledge of where to go to obtain program-related information.

Technical (Program) Competence: Effectively and accurately uses knowledge that is acquired through education, formal training, or on-the-job experience to interpret, apply, and communicate specific laws, rules, policies, and procedures relating to the Victims of Crime Program areas including, but not limited to, medical terminology; insurance terminology; mental health terminology and psycho-pathological terminology; and makes various mathematical calculations.

Initiative: Demonstrates initiative; and uses critical and creative thinking to effectively perform work and to suggest new or improved methods or processes to heighten productivity and service.

Application of Technology: Effectively demonstrates an understanding of computers and various computer applications, programs, and systems to achieve performance objectives.

Victim Compensation Supervisor

In addition to the competencies addressed in the Victim Compensation Specialist, the required knowledge and abilities that are needed to be able to successfully perform the work of this class are:

Creative Thinking and Problem Solving: Effectively demonstrates innovative problem-solving methodologies; and ability to formulate, recommend, and implement new procedures. Leadership Skills: Effectively demonstrates an ability to motivate, coach, develop, and monitor others; facilitates resolution of conflicts and disagreements; actively participates in the planning and organizing of team activities; utilizes team members' skills and serves as a role model for the team; assumes responsibility for the work and participation of others; effectively manages change; and inspires support for organizational policies and the Victims of Crime Program.

Organizational Awareness: Is aware of important organizational considerations and concerns, including knowledge of the Board's Strategic Plan, Mission Statement, goals, and policies and procedures.

Class History