Social Service Program Assistant I

Bargaining Unit: Local 1021 - Social Services Rank & File Unit

Contra Costa County is recruiting to fill multiple Social Service Program Assistant I vacancies in the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD).

Contra Costa County’s Employment and Human Services Department works diligently to provide the community with resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. The department is committed to hiring candidates that share our core values of delivering an exceptional customer service experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is enthusiastic about serving the public with exceptional customer service
• Is able to utilize conflict resolution techniques
• Is diligent about due dates and timelines
• Is capable of utilizing basic arithmetic
• Is able to conduct thorough interviews/investigations both in person and over the phone
• Is able to use modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
• Is able to foster a positive working relationship with co-workers and supervisors
  

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Participating in formal classroom training and on-the-job training to develop skills for eligibility determination for public assistance programs (i.e. CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal)
• Determining initial and/or ongoing eligibility for public assistance programs (i.e. CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal)
• Interacting with customers
• Assessing the needs of customers
• Responding to customer requests and inquiries via in-person meetings and/or by phone
• Completing eligibility related tasks in compliance with State and Federal mandates

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Helping people access the assistance they need
• Upward mobility/promotion opportunities
• Enjoying a diverse work environment

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Demands of State and Federal mandates and timelines
• Frequent changes to policies and guidelines
• Assisting frustrated customers

To read the complete job description, please visit the website, County of Contra Costa - Class Specification Bulletin (governmentjobs.com).  The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months. 

Education:  Possession of a high school diploma, GED equivalency or a high school proficiency certificate. 

Experience:  One (1) year of experience which involved public contact work that required providing information, answering questions and inquiries, and explaining policies, rules, and regulations in person and/or by telephone; and utilizing a computer to retrieve and enter data.
 
Licenses and Certifications:  Some positions may require possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Training/experience in serving customers with diverse needs.
• Training/experience working with “at risk” populations.
• Experience working with the public.
• Experience with data entry.
• Knowledge regarding community resources.

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Eligibility Worker Multiple Choice Assessment: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online multiple choice assessment. The assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Social Service Program Assistant I classification. (Weighted 100%).

The assessment will be administered remotely using a computer. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment. 

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Matthew Damm at matthew.damm@hrd.cccounty.us.  For any technical issues, please contact the Government Jobs’ applicant support team for assistance at 1 855-524-5627. 

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Salary : $63,999 - $67,199