Eligibility Assistant

Eligibility Assistant – County of Sonoma Starting salary: $29.57 per hour ($61,716 per year) plus a competitive total compensation package. Responsibilities Provide direct customer service in a lobby environment. Assist clients with applications, program requirements, and scheduling appointments. Issue EBT cards, respond to inquiries, handle confidential information, and connect individuals with appropriate resources. Support case workers through various clerical activities. Work with clients who are hostile, upset, or experiencing mental health struggles. Operate modern office machines and equipment including personal computers, imaging equipment, copiers, and printers. Enter information into databases and spreadsheets and generate receipts and reports. Research and register applications, review household and financial information, and determine eligibility for expedited services. Establish workflow for Eligibility Specialists and manage case records. Qualifications Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to interact in person, on the phone, and virtually. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to interact effectively with clients, coworkers, and community partners. Experience working with a diverse cultural and socioeconomic population. Ability to diffuse stressful situations and interactions. High proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and database programs. Strong multitasking, problem‑solving, and organizational skills. Ability to interpret and disseminate complex and sensitive documents. Advanced computer skills, including experience with Excel, Outlook, and Word. Capacity to work in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities. Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) skills desirable but not required. Two years of office support experience, including at least six months of direct public contact and record keeping. Designated positions may require the ability to speak, read, and write in a specified language in addition to English. Knowledge of customer service principles, file and record‑keeping procedures, modern office practices, client confidentiality standards, office equipment, technology, and software applications. Understanding of data collection, organization, research, and evaluation techniques; English grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation; basic arithmetic; policies and programs of the Human Services Department; cultural and human behavior to effectively interact with clients and coworkers. Ability to learn and use the department’s automated systems, understand and apply rules, regulations, policies pertaining to CalFresh, Medi‑Cal, and other public assistance programs; interact with individuals displaying mental health issues, confusion, hostility, or substance influence; answer program-related questions; commission eligibility requirements; screen for expedited services; effectively deescalate interactions; perform job duties under stressful conditions; use appropriate questioning techniques for interviewing applicants; make referrals to appropriate agencies; enter data accurately with sufficient speed; complete documentation; manage time and prioritize workload; maintain sensitive and confidential information; locate, identify, and correct inaccuracies; exercise sound judgment; establish cooperative working relationships; understand and accept human behavioral differences; effectively interact with all populations, including diverse backgrounds; operate modern office equipment; read and write English; perform basic arithmetic; communicate effectively in writing and verbally; understand and follow oral and written instructions. Benefits Salary advancement after 1,040 hours (or six months full‑time), with additional increases for good performance each year. Paid time off: competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional eight floating holiday hours per year. County paid health premium contributions: 100% premium contribution for most employee‑only and employee‑plus‑family health plans. Post‑retirement health reimbursement arrangement: County contributions to post‑retirement employee health insurance. Retirement: a pension fully integrated with Social Security. Paid parental leave: up to eight weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of employment. Additional benefits: dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more. Student loan debt relief: eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education. Equal Opportunity Employer The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. #J-18808-Ljbffr