Currently, EHSD has Eligibility Worker I positions designated to their Eligibility Work Training Unit (EWTU). Once eligibility workers successfully complete their initial EWTU training, they are eligible to move into another eligibility worker position with an assigned caseload to support CalWORKS, CalFresh and Medi-Cal programs. Over time eligibility workers may be eligible to apply for and/or promote into higher level eligibility worker, Medi-Cal Program Assistant and Social Service Program Assistant positions. Due to turnover and the specialized minimum qualifications of the Medi-Cal Program Assistant classification, it has been challenging to fill positions at this level.  
  
The department has identified 17 vacant Medi-Cal positions that would be better filled at the beginning stages of the eligibility work classifications. This will provide the department the opportunity to hire entry level eligibility workers that can participate in the EWTU and over time become eligible to move up through the eligibility worker classifications, and support the department’s efforts to provide timely services to families and individuals eligible for CalWORKS, CalFresh and Medi-Cal program. Therefore, the department is requesting to cancel 17 vacant Medi-Cal Program Assistant positions and add 17 Eligibility Worker I positions.  

If these positions are not approved, EHSD will not have the appropriate staffing levels to provide assistance to families of CalWORKS, CalFresh and Medi-Cal programs.