Interviews applicants, including Spanish-speaking applicants, for financial assistance programs; Reviews certification form to determine that the information is complete and consistent; when necessary, asks applicant appropriate questions and makes necessary additions and/or corrections to the form; Evaluates applicant's financial eligibility for assistance and may determine initial categorical eligibility; Prepares and computes budget for the applicant; Advises applicant of the eligibility determination, the amount of assistance and when the first grant can be expected; Informs the applicant about the program under which she/he is eligible, and any documentation or additional information which may be needed; Explains the validation process to the applicant; Advises the applicant about his/her duty to keep the agency informed of any change that may affect eligibility; Informs applicant about the range of services in the agency and may refer applicant to social services section or other specialists, such as resources, housing, employment, legal, medical, etc; Makes re-determinations of financial eligibility; Recommends emergency grants as needed; May be required to make field visits to obtain collateral verification to determine eligibility and make referrals to Special Investigations Unit if appropriate. Under the supervision of a technical or administrative supervisor, an employee in this class determines financial eligibility for programs administered by the Department of Social Services and recommends amounts of assistance in accordance with established policies and procedures.