Eligibility Specialist I

Eligibility Specialist I

Be a part of this exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team and help our community's most underserved members! Starting salary at $32.53/hour ($67,894/year), plus a competitive total compensation package, and an additional $1.50/hour for fluent bilingual assignments! The County of Sonoma Human Services Department (HSD) seeks qualified individuals to fill multiple full-time monolingual English and fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) Eligibility Specialist I positions. Working as an Eligibility Specialist I (ES I) Eligibility Specialists in the Human Services Department interview clients to obtain and evaluate personal information to determine eligibility for benefits, including Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and other health insurance programs. ES I's continually adapt and respond to the regulatory requirement changes within the public assistance system. These positions may be assigned to a high-volume call center environment.

The ideal candidates for ES I positions will possess many of the following:

• Exceptional interpersonal/customer service skills necessary to interact with, obtain information from, and provide support to clients who are in stressful life situations in person and in a call center environment
• Proficient computer skills with the ability to navigate department-specific software, perform data entry, and use the internet
• Strong math skills with the ability to perform precise calculations
• Critical problem-solving skills and the ability to independently utilize multiple resources to provide comprehensive answers and support to clients to complete daily work
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills to successfully meet regulatory deadlines and accurately process large quantities of work
• Clear and effective oral and written communication skills

Due to rigorous paperwork demands and regulatory deadlines, HSD has instituted a multiple-week classroom and on the job training program for all ES I positions, and a one-year probationary period. During the probationary period there will be scheduled assessments to determine aptitude/comprehension of the material to ensure success in the position. The Eligibility Specialist series (I/II/Senior/Supervisor) provides an excellent career path for candidates interested in pursuing a career in public service.

About the Human Services Department (HSD) As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, the Human Services Department's mission is to build upon strengths, as we bridge clients to opportunities through responsive safety-net services. We work to protect vulnerable children and adults, to help people rise above poverty and thrive in our community, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. HSD is responsible for child and adult protective services, veteran services, and administration of state and federal programs, including CalFRESH, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services. The department is dedicated to providing responsive, client-focused services so that all in our community can live freely chosen lives up to their full potential throughout their lifespan. The core values that drive our work are dignity, humility, integrity, responsiveness, partnership, and belonging. HSD fosters a positive work environment, where our commitment to providing opportunities for advancement is strengthened by a robust staff development program. We believe in the merits of work/life balance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community. The Department works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local levels to find creative solutions to support the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. To meet that goal, the department has fostered strong relationships with other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders.

What We Offer Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions work to better our shared community. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits including:

• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Bilingual Premium Pay - An additional $1.50 on top of the hourly pay rate for fluent bilingual positions
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education
• Advancement Opportunity - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to an Eligibility Specialist II (Starting salary at $35.43/hour)

Important Dates

• Tentative Date for the Written Examination: Monday, November 9th and/or Tuesday, November 10th, 2026
• Department Selection Interviews for Top Ranking Candidates: The week of November 16th through the week of November 30th, 2026
• Anticipated Start Date: Tuesday, February 2nd, 2027

Bilingual Premium Fluent bilingual premium pay is an additional $1.50 per hour on top of the hourly pay rate. Fluent bilingual positions require English and Spanish language proficiency in reading, writing, and conversation. To be considered for bilingual assignments, applicants must indicate their ability level on their application and in their response to the required supplemental questionnaire. A bilingual examination will be conducted prior to employment to confirm level of skill. Bilingual premium pay begins after completion of the training period and upon the assignment of a bilingual caseload.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.