Program Eligibility Specialist

Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc.; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. is hiring a Program Eligibility Specialist. In this role, you will determine eligibility for state and federally funded programs while building relationships with families. Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

Your work will include conducting interviews, processing verification needs, and maintaining documentation. Strong candidates will have experience in client casework and possess a high school diploma, with further education preferred.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid California driver’s license and proof of insurance if required.
• Two years of related education or experience in Child Development or similar fields.
• One year of experience in client casework or eligibility determination.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews to determine eligibility for programs.
• Maintain accurate files and documentation.
• Prepare and manage reports related to attendance and parent fees.

Skills

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Client casework

Mathematical computations

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Posted Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Helping People. Changing Lives. This role is limited term, which is expected to work between 3-12 months. To be considered for this role, you must be fluent in two or more languages, including one that supports the needs of the program and community.

As a Program Eligibility Specialist (PES), you will determine eligibility for state and federally funded programs and build trusting relationships with families. You'll handle requests and inquiries, maintain documentation, and support CAPSLO’s mission by ensuring the proper administration of Early Head Start, Head Start, and State Child Development programs.

Qualifications

• Depending on the department assigned, a valid California driver’s license, a current DMV driving record, and proof of insurance may be required to fulfill job-related travel. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable laws.

Level I

• Has a High School Diploma.
• Has two years of education and/or experience in a related field (e.g., Child Development, Social Science, Human Development, Liberal Studies).
• Has one year of experience in client casework or eligibility setting.
• Is bilingual/biliterate in English and Spanish.
• An Associate’s Degree is preferred.

Level II

• Has a combination of related education and/or experience totaling five years in administrative functions, case management, or eligibility determinations.
• Has one year of experience as a Program Eligibility Specialist I or equivalent experience.
• Is bilingual/biliterate in English and Spanish.
• A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct face-to-face and phone interviews to determine eligibility.
• Process verification needs and prepare childcare contracts.
• Maintain accurate files and documentation.
• Communicate changes promptly to staff and families.
• Attend and participate in relevant meetings.
• Perform mathematical computations related to eligibility.
• Enter and manage data in approved software.
• Collect and maintain data for reports and audits.
• Process attendance records and address excessive absences.
• Prepare and manage parent fee billings and reports.

EOE/V/ADA/Drug Free Workplace/Asset Infused Organization. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. will consider all qualified applicants without attention to race, sex, age religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, or any other protected characteristic.