Eligibility Specialist I/II (MSS)

County of Del Norte, CA; Crescent City (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Del Norte, CA is seeking an Eligibility Specialist I/II to determine eligibility for public assistance programs through interactive interviewing and data verification. You will work with multi-program caseloads, learn regulations, and use automated systems to process applications.

Entry-level specialists progress with training toward journey level, handling more complex tasks, referrals, and documentation while maintaining client confidentiality and timeliness.

Qualifications

• Interviews to elicit eligibility information and verify data.
• Explain regulations and applicants' rights and responsibilities.
• Process forms and maintain accurate case records.
• Navigate multiple public assistance programs and complex rules.

Responsibilities

• Perform interactive interviews to determine eligibility for public assistance.
• Analyze financial and eligibility information for initial or continued benefits.
• Identify needs and refer clients to health, social, or employment services.
• Enter and maintain case data in automated systems and ensure timely processing.

Skills

Interactive interviewing

Public assistance programs

Caseload management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Tools

Eligibility software

Job description

County of Del Norte, CA

Location

Crescent City, CA

Full Time

Job Number

25-00498

Health & Human Services

Division

Public Assistance/Employment & Training (PA/E&T)

10/28/2026

Closing Date

11/11/2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana

This recruitment will establish a list of candidates to be used in filling the vacancy as well as an eligibility list that may be used for future vacancies or temporary help for up to one (1) year.

Description

The Eligibility Specialist classifications determine the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs through interactive interviewing and fact gathering; maintain current knowledge of program regulations and procedures necessary for multi-program caseload administration; initiate and process casework through automated systems; identify needs and make appropriate referrals for health, social, and/or employment services; and perform related work as required.

The Eligibility Specialist I is the entry-level classification in the Eligibility Specialist series. Incumbents may have prior experience determining eligibility for loans, financial assistance, unemployment or veterans benefits, or publicly or privately funded health, counseling or social services programs; have completed initial classroom training provided as part of the Eligibility Specialist Trainee training program; or may have the required level of education. Incumbents will be placed in a work team and initially may receive classroom instruction prior to being assigned casework and/or tasks. Incumbents will work under close supervision while learning to independently determine public assistance eligibility, and apply knowledge and skills learned from their training in completing eligibility tasks and applying complex regulations. As incumbents gain experience and work toward the journey level in the series, they are expected to work with more independence and have the ability to complete more complex tasks and/or handle larger client caseloads. Incumbents are expected to progress to the journey-level Eligibility Specialist II upon completion of one year of satisfactory performance in the entry-level Eligibility Specialist I classification.

The Eligibility Specialist II is the journey-level classification in the Eligibility Specialist series. Incumbents demonstrate working knowledge of eligibility regulations, procedures and eligibility software systems. Eligibility Specialist II incumbents handle more complex tasks and/or caseloads independently with consultation as needed by Eligibility Specialist IIIs or Eligibility Supervisors. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level or if filled from the outside, require prior experience as an Eligibility Specialist, Eligibility Worker or comparable position.

The class of Eligibility Specialist II is distinguished from the Eligibility Specialist I as the latter requires a higher level of consultation and supervision and is working toward achieving a working knowledge of program rules and regulations. The Eligibility Specialist II class is distinguished from the Eligibility Specialist III in that the latter class is assigned lead specialist duties or special assignments with a greater degree of independent judgment.

Incumbents in the Eligibility Specialist I and II classifications typically receive supervision from an Eligibility Supervisor and may receive lead direction from an Eligibility Specialist III.

Detailed Work Activities

Essential job duties may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. (For Eligibility Specialist I, duties are performed at the entry level.)

• Performs interactive interviews to elicit eligibility information, obtain and/or verify financial, employment, tax and personal demographic information and determine eligibility for public assistance programs and services
• Analyzes financial and eligibility information to determine initial or continuing eligibility for multiple aid programs.
• Explains regulations, rules and policies to clients and apprises them of their rights, responsibilities and eligibility for participation in various public assistance programs and services.
• Ensures accuracy and completion of application and declaration forms.
• Resolves discrepancies by securing documentation, medical records and confirmation from other agencies.
• Enters and retrieves numerical and narrative data and issues benefits from an automated computer system.
• Determines the level of benefits to which the client is entitled by making complex computations and/or computer entries and then analyzing the results.
• Reviews and interprets information provided on a variety of forms both by the client and third parties to assist with eligibility determination.
• Evaluates clients for and answers questions on Advanced Payment Tax Credits (APTC) related to health care reform.
• Explains a variety of plan options, costs and individual plan features through Covered California.
• Monitors on-going eligibility by obtaining periodic updated information of eligibility factors and takes appropriate actions on changes.
• Determines need for additional services and makes referrals as needed for employment and other services to outside agencies to assist clients toward self-sufficiency and directs clients accordingly.
• Organizes and prioritizes caseload so that necessary case records and documents are processed and updated within specific time limits established by regulation and local policy.
• Enters and maintains case records, including written narratives, forms and computer documents in a clear and readable format.
• Troubleshoots task and/or case issues to determine appropriate resolution of problems, involving Help Desk as needed.
• Communicates both orally and in writing with clients and others related to the initial and ongoing eligibility determination while maintaining confidentiality.
• Responds to questions and complaints of clients in person, by telephone, mail and/or email communication.
• Provides pertinent forms and pamphlets to clients as required.
• Identifies suspected fraud and makes referrals for investigation.
• Makes referrals to social service workers as needed.
• Participates in special projects, studies, work assignments and committees.
• General goals and purpose of public social services programs.
• Laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing eligibility for diverse public assistance programs and related case administrative techniques.
• Methods and techniques of conducting an investigative interview and information gathering.
• Computer terminology and computer keyboard arrangement.
• Modern office practices, methods and procedures.
• Record keeping practices and procedures.
• Principles of mathematical calculations.
• Intricacies of health insurance plans, medical health plan options and associated terminology.
• Regulations and rules regarding household filing status related to the Affordable Care Act.
• Cultural and human behavior, including knowledge of self, to interact effectively with clients and staff.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.
• Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research assess information and/or prepare documentation.

Ability to:

• Apply the policies, procedures and programs of the County Social Services Department.
• Apply the laws, rules and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple public assistance programs and the case administration of these programs.
• Identify available resources and communicate with others to obtain and verify information concerning eligibility.
• Use fact finding techniques and perform in-depth and interactive interviewing.
• Determine appropriate course of action in emergency situations.
• Make referrals to appropriate agencies and social service programs.
• Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.
• Analyze and interpret written, numerical and verbal data from various sources.
• Utilize multiple electronic information, social services systems and analyze and interpret such information.
• Enter and maintain data accurately and timely into a computerized system.
• Navigate through computer screens and effectively use computer systems, software applications and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Identify when computer output is incorrect and make corrections.
• Process cases manually as required.
• Plan and organize caseload to ensure work is completed in accordance with regulations relating to eligibility and timeliness.
• Function effectively in a system with strict deadlines and constant changes.
• Read, understand, apply and explain complicated and detailed correspondence, reports, regulations and policy directives.
• Perform a variety of mathematical computations accurately and rapidly.
• Prepare clear, concise and accurate records and reports.
• Explain complex rules and programs so they can be understood by people of diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Gather, record and correctly evaluate tax filing data, income and additional necessary information required for the determination of eligibility for one or more programs.
• Explain health insurance plan options and plan details available to clients through the Affordable Care Act.
• Review a variety of tax documents to obtain needed household filing information.
• Explain health care reform tax credit implications to clients.
• Refer clients to other community services as needed.
• Assess and manage difficult and hostile persons or situations; or call for intervention when appropriate.
• Interact with people in a courteous manner in person, on the telephone, by mail or email.
• Work in a fast-paced, professional office environment and prioritize a wide range of duties with varying time requirements to ensure timely completion.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
• Follow written and oral directions and instructions.

Selection Process:

The County of Del Norte does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual preference, or disability in any of its programs, activities, or hiring practices. All applications will be reviewed and those individuals with backgrounds most closely meeting the needs of the county will be selected for further review. In the event of a large number of qualifying applicants, a written examination may be given to determine which applicants will be invited to attend an oral interview. An eligibility list will be established upon completion of the oral interviews. Expenses (i.e. travel, food, lodging) incurred in connection with the interview shall be the burden of the applicant. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Office prior to the interview/examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Condition of Employment:

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, Del Norte County is required to verify, within three days of employment of any person, that he/she is: 1) a citizen or national of the United States; 2) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence or authorized by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to work in the United States.

Disaster Service Workers:All County of Del Norte employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through State law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County of Del Norte requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Work related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Del Norte County is an equal opportunity employer hiring employment eligible applicants. Disabled applicants who require special testing arrangements should contact the Human Resources Department prior to the filing deadline. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, applicants must provide acceptable proof of identity or authorization to work in the United States. A thorough background investigation will be conducted prior to employment. The investigation may include reference checks, fingerprinting, credit check, driver history and inquiry to local, state and federal files to obtain criminal history information. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the selection process. Selection processes may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: application review, competitive screening, written examination, performance examination, and/or oral examination. This bulletin is solely for the purpose of announcing a job opening. It does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revised without notice.

Employer County of Del Norte, CA

Address 981 H Street
Suite 250
Crescent City, California, 95531