Eligibility Worker II

The Position

Contra Costa County is recruiting to fill multiple Eligibility Worker II vacancies in the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD). The 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 valuing 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:

• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Able to thrive in a customer-focused environment
• Able to remain calm and objective when handling high-pressure or emotionally charged situations
• Skilled in providing excellent customer service, interpersonal sensitivity, and diplomacy when working with others in sensitive or crisis situations
• Able to establish and maintain cooperative and objective relationships with the general public, culturally diverse populations, other departments/agencies, and co-workers
• Adaptable to change and able to adjust priorities to serve the needs of the community
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Conducting interviews with applicants to determine eligibility and need for social programs and services
• Applying complex state and federal regulations to ensure accurate determinations
• Initiating procedures to grant, modify, deny, or terminate eligibility for various assistance programs
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records in case management systems
• Handling sensitive personal and financial information with a high level of confidentiality and integrity
• Participating in ongoing training to stay updated on changes in laws, policies, and procedures
• Referring clients to additional services or community resources
• Utilizing multiple systems and databases simultaneously

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have opportunities for promotional growth
• You will serve your community and contribute to the public good in a meaningful way
• You will meet and work with people from all walks of life, broadening your perspective and building your interpersonal and communication skills
• You value job stability and opportunities for advancement
• You appreciate being part of a supportive team

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Working on multiple assignments with competing deadlines
• Processing a high volume of work accurately and efficiently
• Working with customers in crisis, which can be emotionally taxing over time
• Navigating detailed and frequently updated eligibility rules and regulations, which requires continuous learning and attention to detail
• Balancing accuracy with efficiency

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking : Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Delivering Results : Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Mathematical Facility : Performing computations and solving mathematical problems
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation : Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Adaptability : Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail : Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability : Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Self-Management : Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Oral Communication : Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing : Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships : Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Teamwork : Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals