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County of Contra Costa

Eligibility Worker I

County of Contra Costa, California, Missouri, United States, 65018

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Bargaining Unit:

Local 1021 - Social Services Rank & File Unit

Contra Costa County is recruiting multiple Eligibility Worker I vacancies in the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD).

Contra Costa County’s Employment and Human Services Department works diligently to provide the community with resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self‑sufficiency. The department is committed to hiring candidates who share our core values of delivering an exceptional customer service experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity.

With a strong focus on public assistance and self‑sufficiency programs, the EHSD offers essential support to individuals and families throughout Contra Costa County. Eligibility Workers play a key role in helping community members access programs such as CalFresh, Medi‑Cal, and CalWORKs — services that promote stability, health, and economic well‑being. Staff in this division are committed to providing respectful, accurate, and timely assistance, often serving as the first point of contact for residents seeking vital resources.

EHSD provides a supportive and team‑oriented environment where employees are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact. The department values continuous learning, cultural competence, and a strong work ethic — qualities that help ensure every client interaction is handled with care and professionalism. For those who are passionate about service and looking for a rewarding career path, joining the Eligibility team at EHSD is a chance to be part of an organization that truly makes a difference.

We are looking for someone who is:

Committed to providing exceptional customer service

Organized and task‑oriented, with the ability to meet due dates and timelines

Able to understand and follow complex oral and written directions

Able to accurately interpret and apply government regulations, policies, and procedures

Able to conduct thorough interviews and investigations both in person and over the phone

Empathetic and skilled in navigating difficult or complex circumstances, including utilizing conflict resolution techniques

What you will typically be responsible for:

Participating in formal classroom training and on‑the‑job training to develop skills for eligibility determination for public assistance programs (i.e., CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi‑Cal)

Scheduling and conducting customer interviews via phone or in person to determine new or continuing program eligibility

Determining initial and ongoing customer eligibility for public assistance programs

Verifying customer‑provided information and addressing any inconsistencies or discrepancies found

Handling sensitive personal and financial information with a high level of confidentiality and integrity

Answering questions and providing information to customers and the general public

Linking customers to other community resources

Completing eligibility‑related tasks in compliance with state and federal mandates

A few reasons you might love this job:

Working for the County gives you a chance to serve your community and contribute to the public good in a meaningful way

You help individuals and families access essential services like healthcare, food assistance, and housing support, often during their most vulnerable times

You meet and work with people from all walks of life, which can broaden your perspective and strengthen your interpersonal and communication skills

You will work in an engaging team environment

You will have ample opportunities for promotional growth and career mobility

A few challenges you might face in this job:

Meeting the demands of state and federal mandates and timelines

Adapting to frequent changes in policies and guidelines

Demonstrating the ability to assess eligibility effectively during training and on the job

Working in a fast‑paced environment

Assisting frustrated or upset customers

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.

Education:

Possession of a high school diploma, GED equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate.

Experience:

One (1) year of experience which involved public contact work that required providing information, answering questions and inquiries, and explaining policies, rules, and regulations in person and/or by telephone; and utilizing a computer to retrieve and enter data.

Licenses and Certifications:

Some positions may require possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

Desirable Qualifications:

Training or experience in serving customers with diverse needs

Training or experience working with at‑risk populations

Training or experience using computers and Windows‑based software

Experience performing a high volume of data entry

Ability to quickly grasp new concepts

Knowledge of community resources

Application Filing and Evaluation:

Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, and will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.

Multiple‑Choice Assessment:

Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online multiple‑choice assessment. The assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Eligibility Worker I classification. (Weighted 100%).

Hiring Interview

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker‑related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

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