The Position

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).

Eligibility Workers in EHSD apply regulations and determine eligibility to assistance programs; such as, General Assistance, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs. These programs provide access to medical, food, basic cash assistance, and employment assistance for the most vulnerable members of our community.

The Eligibility Worker I classification receives training on the different program eligibility rules, eligibility system navigation, budgeting, case management, interviewing techniques, and customer service. Upon successful completion of classroom training, individuals are assigned to one of the department offices for on-the-job training. Offices are located in Richmond, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Antioch, Brentwood, and Hercules.

At EHSD, we are so much more than just Contra Costa County’s Department of Human Services - we are friends, neighbors, and confidants, ready to help our community towards achieving a self-sufficient, healthy, and happy life. Our team of highly skilled workers and employees have dedicated their careers working tirelessly to help improve the lives of our residents, because we truly care.

We are looking for someone who:

• Possesses effective organization skills and is task-oriented
• Can accurately interpret and apply government regulations, policies, and procedures
• Thrives in a customer-focused environment
• Demonstrates empathy in difficult or complex circumstances
• Is adaptable to changing regulations and procedures
• Is able to provide fair and unbiased interpretation of facts

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Conducting interviews with applicants and recipients of public assistance benefits
• Gathering information from applicants to make eligibility determination
• Reviewing applications and declarations for completeness and consistency
• Maintaining client records through data entry into computerized/online systems
• Linking customers to other community resources
• Making accurate and efficient determinations of eligibility

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have a daily impact providing assistance to vulnerable members of the community
• The work performed helps to bolster a strong, vibrant economy by providing optimal benefit and support services
• You will work in an engaging team environment
• The work performed helps to protect and take care of people who have built Contra Costa County to be what it is today
• There are opportunities for promotional growth within Contra Costa County

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will be in a classroom environment for the first three months to learn complex eligibility rules
• You must demonstrate proficiency in determining eligibility both in the classroom and on the job
• You will work in a fast-paced and ever changing environment
• You will be expected to process a high volume of work
• You will work in a highly regulated government environment

Individuals who are proficient in English/Spanish, Laotian, or Vietnamese are strongly encouraged to apply. Bilingual applicants who are hired will be required to pass the language proficiency exam in order to receive a monthly bilingual pay differential in addition to their monthly salary.

Note: Eligibility Worker I is the entry level classification in the Eligibility Work series. Those who satisfactorily complete the probation period may promote through the Eligibility Worker series.

To read the complete job description, please visit the website, www.cccounty.us/hr.
The employment list established by this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Candidates must possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate.

Experience: Either 1) One (1) year of full-time (or the equivalent of full-time) office support experience which has included substantial public contact or 2) one (1) year of full-time (or the equivalent of full-time) experience with responsibility for processing documents relating to: loans, financial assistance, unemployment, veterans benefits, insurance benefits, health benefits and/or social services programs.

Substitution: Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university may be substituted for a maximum of six (6) months of the required experience in above option 1) or 2).

Selection Process

• 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.
• Eligibility Worker 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 classification. (Weighted 100%)

The multiple choice assessment is tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely) between April 28, 2023 - May 5, 2023.

The assessment will be administered remotely using a computer. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment. It is not recommended to take the assessment using a cell phone.

Note: The Eligibility Worker Multiple Choice Assessment is a standardized exam. The score achieved on the multiple choice assessment may be applied to future recruitment processes. If you participated in the Eligibility Worker Multiple Choice within the last 6 months, you will not be eligible to retest for this recruitment process.

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 GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.
Contra Costa County enacted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement for employees. Proof of full vaccination will be required of all employees, including new hires. The policy requirements can be found here: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/72164/2021824-Mandatory-Vaccination-Policy-PDF?bidId=

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.