Social Service Appeals Officer

The Position Bargaining Unit: Local 21 - Non‑Supervisory Management Why join the Contra Costa Employment and Human Services Department? Contra Costa County is excited to announce a recruitment for the position of Social Service Appeals Officer. This position will be in the Administrative Services Bureau of the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD). We currently have one (1) vacancy. 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 that share our core values of delivering an exceptional customer service experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity. Job Responsibilities Review case records and interview appropriate parties to obtain facts and clarification of points relating to appeals for categorical aid and service programs. Research and review local, state, and federal regulations related to granting categorical aid and service programs to ensure customers receive due process. Prepare various documents, collect, analyze, and summarize data. Represent and testify on behalf of the County in administrative hearings. Serve as a hearing officer in evidentiary hearings, administer oaths, receive written and verbal testimony, examine witnesses, and prepare written decisions. Investigate complaints of discrimination in accordance with Civil Rights regulations. Provide guidance and instruction to district staff on corrective actions to be taken on appeal and complaint matters. Effectively engage with state personnel, including Administrative Law Judges, Appeals representatives from other counties, advocates, authorized representatives, customers, and County Employment and Human Services staff. What You Need to Succeed Excellent and effective communicator; able to write and present information clearly to state personnel, aid applicants, and recipients. Highly organized; able to prioritize, manage, and complete multiple tasks with varying deadlines in a timely manner. Ethical; apply principles of confidentiality to work and treat customers from diverse backgrounds with dignity and respect. Collaborative; work with appeals officers, appellants and their legal representatives, state officials, County department staff, and others encountered in the course of work. Self‑motivated; work independently, adapt to changes, and demonstrate initiative. Analytical; piece together multiple facts and timelines to make determinations. Team player; work effectively in a team environment. Key Competencies Analyzing & interpreting data Critical thinking Fact finding Legal & regulatory navigation Adaptability Attention to detail Establishing credibility Professional integrity & ethics Self‑management Oral communication Writing Professional impact Teamwork Minimum Qualifications License Required : Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or an out‑of‑state valid license accepted during the application process. Education : Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, public administration, social or behavioral sciences, or a closely related field. Experience Part 1 : Three (3) years of full‑time experience in a public social service agency in a classification equivalent to “Contra Costa County Eligibility Work Supervisor,” “Social Service Program Analyst,” or “Social Work Supervisor,” with responsibilities for supervising, training, or program analysis of eligibility workers or social workers in categorical aid or public social service programs. Experience Part 2 : Three (3) years of full‑time experience representing a public social service agency on categorical aid and/or service program appeals. Experience Part 3 : Three (3) years of experience with an In‑Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program in a classification equivalent to “Contra Costa County Social Worker” and possession of an IHSS Academy certificate issued by the State of California Department of Social Services. Substitution for Education : Up to two years of qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis. Substitution for Academic Major : One year of additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required academic major. Desirable Qualifications Experience with direct and cross‑examination procedures. Experience working in multiple benefit programs at the County level. Experience navigating appeal and hearing procedures. Training on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bilingual. 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 any other protected category under the law. Additional Information Qualified applicants interested in further understanding the responsibilities and qualifications of this position may visit the full job announcement at #J-18808-Ljbffr Contra Costa County