Eligibility Support Clerk

County of Alameda•Hayward, CA

About The Position

Eligibility Support Clerks are often the first point of contact for Alameda County residents applying for or receiving cash aid, Medi-Cal, or CalFresh benefits from the Social Services Agency. They review applications, respond to questions, and refer applicants or recipients to appropriate resources. Clerks are expected to maintain a professional and courteous manner, work effectively and accurately with minimum supervision, and meet constant deadlines. The Alameda County Social Services Agency has approximately 2,400 employees and works with community-based organizations, neighborhood groups, and policymakers to serve residents. Its mission is to promote the economic and social well-being of individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities. The recruitment process includes a review of applications and supplemental questionnaires, a qualifying virtual written examination, a qualifying virtual data-entry accuracy assessment, and an oral panel interview weighted as 100% of the final examination score. Candidates must receive a qualifying rating on each examination component. The oral panel interview may also serve as the hiring interview at the hiring authority’s discretion. Qualified bilingual candidates in specified languages are encouraged to apply; positions designated bilingual provide additional biweekly compensation, and candidates may be tested for language proficiency.

Requirements

Meet one of the following experience requirements: the equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a Specialist Clerk I or an equivalent or higher-level clerical class in Alameda County service; the equivalent of two years of full-time clerical experience, including one year with public contact; or the equivalent of one year of full-time experience as an Eligibility Technician or an equivalent or higher-level classification in the same series at a federal, state, county, or city Social Services Agency.
Knowledge of basic math and spelling.
Knowledge of alpha and numeric filing systems.
Knowledge of techniques for dealing with individuals from various socioeconomic and ethnic groups in person, by telephone, and through correspondence, including irate or hostile individuals.
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures and standard office equipment operations.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to write or print legibly.
Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written directions and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with clients, the public, and coworkers.
Ability to interview to obtain required information.
Ability to evaluate individual situations and make appropriate decisions.
Ability to demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work independently.
Ability to learn and use a variety of internal and external data systems and acquire computer skills within a reasonable timeframe.
Ability to learn and apply relevant legal codes, regulations, and procedures.
Submit a completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline; failure to submit the questionnaire results in disqualification.
Attain a qualifying rating on each examination component.

Nice To Haves

Strong office support skills and experience.
Knowledge and experience with relevant computer applications.
Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional service to internal and external customers, face-to-face and by telephone.
Ability to communicate efficiently, orally and in writing.
Ability to disseminate information accurately and quickly.
Ability to assimilate and apply newly learned information on the job.
Ability to maintain quality performance under pressure and time constraints.
Commitment to the quality and accuracy of work products.
Ability to participate actively as a valued member of a work team.
Fluency in English and Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Korean, Mien, Tagalog, Amharic, Farsi, Dari, Tigrigna, Russian, Romanian, or sign language is especially encouraged.

Responsibilities

Review applications for Social Services Agency benefits.
Respond to questions from applicants and benefit recipients.
Refer applicants or recipients to appropriate resources.
Provide professional and courteous service to residents.
Work accurately and effectively with minimum supervision and constant deadlines.
Serve as a first point of contact for residents applying for or receiving cash aid, Medi-Cal, or CalFresh benefits.

Benefits

Medical insurance plans, including HMO and PPO options.
Dental insurance plans, including HMO and PPO options.
Vision coverage or vision reimbursement.
Basic and supplemental life insurance, with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees.
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care, and adoption assistance.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Voluntary benefits, including accident, critical illness, long-term care, hospital indemnity, and legal services coverage.
Employee Assistance Program.
Defined-benefit retirement pension plan.
Deferred compensation plan, including 457 or Roth plan.
12 paid holidays and floating holidays.
Vacation and sick leave accrual, and a vacation purchase program.
Catastrophic sick leave.
Pet insurance.
Commuter benefits and Guaranteed Ride Home.
Employee wellness programs, including fitness activities, incentive-based programs, and gym membership discounts.
Employee discount program.
Child care resources.
1st United Credit Union membership.
Additional biweekly compensation for employees in positions designated bilingual.