Eligibility Technician

County of Orange; California (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Orange Social Services Agency seeks qualified candidates for Eligibility Technician positions assigned to CalFresh, CalWORKs, CAPI, GR, Medi-Cal, Foster Care, and IHSS programs. Roles may be in Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and other locations, including mobile/outreach sites.

Candidates should demonstrate strong math, reading comprehension, data entry, and policy interpretation skills, with a focus on accurate eligibility determinations and confidential record-keeping.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to use Word, Excel and Outlook to manage case documents and data.
• Ability to learn SSA computer programs and call center software used daily.
• Familiarity with Hyland Perceptive, CalSAWS and MEDS software is preferred.
• Strong reading and math skills to interpret forms and perform benefit calculations.
• Ability to apply federal, state, and agency policies to determine eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Assist in processing eligibility for CalFresh, CalWORKs, CAPI, GR, Medi-Cal, Foster Care, and IHSS.
• Maintain and update client records in compliance with HIPAA and state/federal regulations.
• Provide clear oral and written communication and deliver excellent client service.
• Perform fieldwork/outreach as needed and gather information to process cases timely.
• Review and apply policies to ensure accurate eligibility determinations and data verification.

Skills

Word

Excel

Outlook

Call Center software

Reading comprehension

Math calculations

Policy interpretation

Communication

Tools

Hyland Perceptive

CalSAWS

MEDS

Amazon Connect

Jabber

Job description

ELIGIBILITY TECHNICIAN

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Eligibility Technician positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Please note this opportunity will be advertising until Thursday, August 27, 2026. Applications will ONLY be accepted on FRIDAY, August 28, 2026 until 11:59 p.m. (PST).

Do you have what it takes to be an Eligibility Technician?

Watch video below to learn more about the position.

* Please be advised, the training period stated in the video is subject to change. *

SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY

The County of Orange Social Services Agency is composed of four business divisions: Assistance Programs; Children and Family Services; Family Self-Sufficiency & Adult Services and Administrative Services; and over 4,300 dedicated employees, providing human services to an average of one in three Orange County residents. Our mission is to deliver quality services that are accessible and responsive to the community, encourage personal responsibility, strengthen individuals, preserve families, and protect vulnerable adults and children.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The County of Orange Social Services Agency is seeking qualified candidates to fill current and future Eligibility Technician vacancies.

The Eligibility Technician positions will be assigned to any of the following programs:

• CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps)
• CalWORKs
• Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
• General Relief (GR)
• Medi-Cal (Affordable Care Act)
• Foster Care
• In Home Supportive Services

Eligibility Technicians may be placed in Anaheim, Brea, Garden Grove, Laguna Hills, Orange, Santa Ana or at temporary mobile/outreach locations.

CORE COMPETENCIES

In order to be successful for this position, candidates must demonstrate knowledge and/or experience in the following:

Technical Knowledge | Technical Experience

• Utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Having the ability to learn SSA's computer programs/software and other computer applications utilized daily and Call Center programs such as Amazon Connect, Jabber, etc.
• Having the ability to learn Social Services Agency related computer/software programs such as Hyland Perceptive, CalSAWS, and Medical Eligibility Data System (MEDS)
• Demonstrating strong reading comprehension skills, including the ability to interpret complex written materials, forms, and case documentation
• Performing accurate mathematical calculations, including benefit computations, eligibility determinations, and data verification
• Reviewing, understanding, and applying federal, state, and agency policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure compliance and accurate case processing

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Focusing on the details of work content and work steps/processes
• Maintaining/updating client records in compliance with State and Federal regulations
• Ensuring the confidentiality of client records to comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and State/Federal regulations

Client Focus | Customer Service | Adaptability

• Providing clear communication both orally and in writing
• Providing excellent customer service without bias to applicants/clients that are seeking benefits
• Having patience when dealing with confused and frustrated clients
• Listening, being attentive and sensitiveto client's needs
• Understanding client's current emotional state
• Developing and maintaining a collaborative working relationship with clients
• Maintaining composure under pressure and in the face of workload demands and interruptions
• Remaining calm and professional while referring clients to resources for mental health issues, substance abuse, or homelessness

Case Management | Interviewing

• Handling difficult and complex situations
• Functioning independently and being able to obtain essential client information, including following up with clients
• Performing fieldwork, including, but not limited to, outreach activities
• Analyzing appropriate program policies, procedures, and/or guidelines to apply case situations to process cases timely
• Ability to meet deadlines and conduct follow up with clients as required
• Gathering and interpreting complex documents, including policies and procedures
• Asking appropriate questions that are related to client's case in a compassionate manner
• Identifying information and obtaining facts/data pertinent to responding to a client question or concern

Problem Solving | Critical Thinking | Safety Awareness

• Analyzing and evaluating the information provided by clients
• Possessing critical reasoning skills
• Being proactive in recognizing personal factors that impact client's needs
• Making sound decisions/using good judgment to prevent financial loss for the County
• Showing vigilance and care identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Knowing and adhering to all safety practices in the workplace

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Please click here for information on the minimum qualifications for the Eligibility Technician classification, including Physical and Mental Requirements and Environmental Conditions.

NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

TRAINING EXPECTATIONS

It is required that new Eligibility Technicians (ETs) complete mandatory training in a classroom setting. In Assistance Programs, newly hired ETs will be temporarily stationed at a regional office for onboarding and job-shadowing until they are scheduled to attend the mandatory training. Family Self-Sufficiency and Adult Services may utilize this same approach depending on the timing of upcoming training sessions.

WORK ASSIGNMENT AND SCHEDULE

Both work assignment and schedule will be determined based on the needs of the department. Regional office/work location assignment will be assigned at the end of the mandatory training.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates will be required to undergo a background clearance check and must successfully clear prior to the start of their employment. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Areas considered in the background check include conviction history, employment history, professional references and education verification (i.e. degree, license, or official transcripts) if applicable. Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.) - In addition, a Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) background clearance check may be required. CACI is a repository of child abuse investigation reports managed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that contains information related to substantiated cases of physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental/emotional abuse, and/or severe neglect of a child.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening by Human Resources Services (Refer/Non-Refer)

Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Online Assessment (Refer/Non-Refer)

The online assessment will be scored and will cover required job-related technical knowledge needed for this position. The candidates with the most competitive scores will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition. This assessment will be administered online through our test vendor.

In-Person Assessment (Proctored, Weighted 100%)

The in-person, proctored, assessment will be scored and will cover required job-related competencies and skills needed for this position. The candidates with the most competitive scores will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition. This assessment will be administered in person, and cannot be conducted remotely.

Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List

Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies. Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Veterans Employment Preference

The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION

Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Crystal Sifuentes at [e-mail] or 714-541-7893.

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.