Eligibility Worker I

Full Job Description

Bargaining Unit: Local 1021 - Social Services Rank & File Unit

Contra Costa County is recruiting to fill 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 Employment and Human Services Department (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

To read the complete job description, please visit the website, County of Contra Costa - Class Specification Bulletin (governmentjobs.com).

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

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. 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%).
3. Hiring Interview

The assessment will be administered remotely using a computer. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Matthew Damm at matthew.damm@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the Government Jobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

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.