Eligibility Worker I/II - Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Eligibility Worker I/II - Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Kings County Government Center, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA

Job Type

Full-time permanent

Job Number

2025-132

Department

Human Services

Division

Human Services

Opening Date

06/09/2026

Closing Date

6/18/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The Kings County Human Services Agency is currently seeking qualified individuals for the position of:

ELIGIBILITY WORKER I/II - Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Level I: $41,350.40 - $50,460.80 Annually

Level II: $45,676.80 - $55,723.20 Annually

Are you interested in helping individuals and families access vital public assistance and community resources? Kings County is offering an exciting career opportunity for motivated and detail-oriented individuals to join our team.

Eligibility Workers determine eligibility for a variety of public assistance, medical, housing, and workforce development programs. Depending on the level, staff review applications, conduct interviews, verify documentation, explain program requirements, and make initial and ongoing eligibility determinations. They also connect individuals and families with County and community resources. These positions offer structured training, supportive supervision, and clear opportunities for career growth.

This recruitment is to fill positions that require bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (an examination may be conducted to evaluate the candidates bilingual fluency).

If you're ready to use your bilingual skills to make a meaningful impact in your community, we encourage you to apply!

For more information about the Human Services Agency, click here.

To discover what makes Kings County a great place to live and work, click here to watch a short video.

DUTY SAMPLE

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Schedules appointments and conducts interactive, fact-gathering interviews with applicants and recipients to obtain demographic, financial, and asset information necessary to determine initial and/or ongoing eligibility for various public assistance, medical, housing, and/or workforce development programs; conducts interviews in the County welfare office, satellite offices, hospitals, participants homes, and other locations.
• Interprets and explains program rules and regulations governing eligibility, grants, processing timeframes, methods of payment, and legal rights and responsibilities to applicants and recipients.
• Requests, records, reviews, and evaluates demographic, financial, and asset verification obtained from applicants and recipients and outside sources at time of initial application, voluntary and mandated intermittent reporting, and annual renewal/recertification according to rules and regulations for multiple programs.
• Enters and processes demographic, financial, and asset data into automated system(s) to determine initial/ongoing eligibility and grant entitlements within established timeframes; reviews and ensures the accuracy of the eligibility results, including eligible household members, budgets, and entitlements; identifies any errors in eligibility/grants and troubleshoots and modifies entries to ensure accurate eligibility determinations.
• Within established parameters, authorizes eligibility determinations in automated system(s); reviews and sends client/recipient correspondence related to case action(s); answers questions related to eligibility determinations; and processes/issues benefits via electronic benefit transfer (EBT), paper warrant or voucher, and/or Medi-Cal insurance card.
• Processes assigned tasks and case actions, and/or maintains a client caseload; ensures appropriate action is taken on reported information/changes in circumstances, voluntary and mandated intermittent and annual reporting, and requests for additional and/or modified programs/services according to program rules and regulations, and timeframes for processing.
• Provides information, assistance, resources, and/or referrals to applicants, recipients, and the general public to appropriate county or community services; works with public and private agencies to develop community resources.
• Receives and responds to a high volume of inquires and/or requests for information/assistance in office, over the phone, and/or via email; provides courteous customer service, and accurate information related to department programs/services, eligibility, community resources, and other related requests.
• Prepares, maintains, verifies, updates, revises, and/or sends out electronic and physical documents, records, reports, files, forms, assessment packets, and/or applications and renewal/recertification packets; resolves information discrepancies; enters information into, maintains, monitors, and/or updates documents, databases, online systems, and software.
• Resolves discrepancies in information reported by clients by securing documentation, records, and confirmation/verification from other entities; evaluates potential for fraudulent situations and reports to supervisor as required.
• Coordinates with internal and external agencies to communicate, receive, and verify information, including verification of income/assets, household demographics, time on aid, and inter-county transfers.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records, files, and notes related to case actions and client interactions; updates information, researches discrepancies and performs data entry; maintains confidential client documentation.
• Provides training to less experienced staff and volunteers as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

When assigned to housing programs:

• Performs outreach; seeks out housing opportunities by phone, internet, and in person to develop relationships with landlords and local agencies to grow and support housing resource options.
• Serves as liaison between landlords and case managers and is primary contact for landlords; communicates with landlords to facilitate rental agreements, negotiate rental amounts and property expenses, and address issues such as missing payments, damage, and evictions; issues approved payments and incentives to landlords and vendors including unpaid rent.
• Conducts property walkthroughs and facilitates improvements to ensure habitability; reviews and ensures accuracy of lease agreements and needs related to rent, rules, security deposit, and other items.
• Supports the resolution of client barriers to housing including evictions, felonies, credit score, collections status, household size, and rental history.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Minimum requirements must be met by the closing date

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Eligibility Worker I and II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience:

• Eligibility Worker I: One (1) year of experience which involved public contact work that required providing information, gathering 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. (Substitution: 60 semester or 90 quarter units may substitute the required experience.)
• Eligibility Worker II: One (1) year experience performing duties at a level equivalent to an Eligibility Worker I with Kings County.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check. Certain positions in this classification may be designated as bilingual requiring fluency in a foreign language. Positions in this classification are required to rotate assignments and are required to rotate between the agency's central location in Hanford and outlying sites, as assigned.

For a detailed job specification, please see below.

Eligibility Worker I

Eligibility Worker II

SELECTION PROCESS: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or a written examination (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) to determine placement on the eligible list.

Note: Those applicants who are among the top 40 written test scores will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.

VETERANS PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Veterans Preference Application

You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date.

Tentative Recruitment Schedule:

Closing Date: June 18, 2026

Written Testing: Week of July 9, 2026

Human Resources Interviews: Week of July 29 & 30, 2026

Department Interview: TBD

Please click here to view the current General Unit MOU.

Retirement Benefits: Eligible employees are enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System, known as CalPERS. The County contracts with the CalPERS for this benefit in the miscellaneous or safety plans as appropriate. The County has reciprocity with other qualifying public retirement systems in California.

Effective January 1, 2013, all new members to CalPERS, or existing members with more than a 6 month break in service from a qualifying previous public employer, will be enrolled in one of the following CalPERS retirement plans (with three year average final compensation) based on their classification:

Miscellaneous - 2% at 62

Safety - 2.7% at 57

If a new employee is currently a member of a qualifying California public retirement plan without a break in service of no more than 6 months (documentation will be required), or ever worked for Kings County previously, they may qualify instead for either of these plans (with single highest year final compensation) in effect prior to January 1, 2013:

Miscellaneous - 2% at 55

Safety - 3% at 55

The new formulas will not apply to existing County employees hired prior to 12/31/12 who promote or transfer to a different position, or into a position covered by a different PERS plan (e.g. move from a position covered by the Miscellaneous Plan to one covered by the Safety Plan).

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health, and chiropractic care for employees and their eligible dependents is available. The portion of the monthly cost that the employees are responsible for depends on their bargaining unit. The County offers a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The County has an Employee Health Center available to Kings County employees and their dependents enrolled in the County health plan.

Deferred Compensation: Participation is voluntary. One plan with several investment options is available. For more information on the eligibility of a contribution match, please refer to the applicable MOU.

Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and day after, Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; and half-day New Years Eve. Holiday credit may vary for law enforcement, fire, and other employees required to work on a holiday. Refer to the MOU for information on the paid holiday closure.

Vacation: Eligible employees earn from two to four weeks of paid vacation per year, depending on their length of service and bargaining unit agreements.

Sick Leave: Sick Leave is accrued for each hour worked. Accrual rates vary depending on date of hire and bargaining unit agreements. The accumulation of sick leave starts from your first day of employment and sick leave may be requested subsequent to the time it is earned.

Retiree Health Insurance: Upon retirement from the County, and depending on bargaining unit agreements, a percentage of accrued sick leave may be converted to be used to pay for retiree health insurance benefits for eligible employee and spouse.

Education Reimbursement Program: Full-time, permanent employees are eligible to receive up to $500 for units earned toward an associates degree, or up to $1,500 for units toward a bachelors or masters degree. Permanent employees who work at least half-time are eligible. Extra help employees are not eligible. Courses must be to increase their knowledge or ability to perform their present job or to prepare for a higher level job with the County. This program is subject to annual funding.

Flexible Benefits Program: Optional program allows employees to pay for certain qualified benefits with pre-tax salary (such as child care expenses, unreimbursed medical costs, or health insurance premiums).

Specialty Pays: See MOU for information.

Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision or procedure described herein may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

01

The application and supplemental questionnaire must be completed fully. The following supplemental questions are used to help determine qualifications and eligibility to continue in the recruitment process. All education and experience used to answer the supplemental questions must be included on the education and work history portion of your application. Incomplete applications or supplemental questionnaires cannot be revised after submission and may be grounds for rejection. Responses such as "see resume" or "see application" or brief general statements will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications may be rejected. By clicking "I Accept" below, I certify that I understand and will follow the application instructions.

• I Accept

02

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade?

• Yes, I have a high school diploma.
• Yes, equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• I did not graduate from high school but I have attained a degree from an accredited college or university.
• None of the above.

03

This position has several ways an applicant can qualify. Please indicate below how you qualify for this position. CHECK ALL THAT APPLY.

• I have one (1) year of experience which involved public contact work that required providing information, gathering 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.
• I have one year of experience performing duties at a level equivalent to an Eligibility Worker I with Kings County.
• I possess 60 semester or 90 quarter units of college.
• None of the above.

04

Please list your education from an accredited college or university. Include the following information: 1) Name of college or university you attended; 2) Degree received; 3) Major and minor studied; 4) Number of units completed and indicate semester or quarter units. Note: The hiring department may require transcripts at the time of the department interview. If you do not possess any units from an accredited college or university, type "N/A".

05

Please describe your experience with public contact work that required providing information, gathering information, answering questions and inquiries. BE SPECIFIC. In your response, indicate the employer where this experience was obtained, dates of employment and position held. If no experience, type "N/A" in your response.

06

Please describe your experience explaining policies, rules, and regulations in person and/or by telephone. BE SPECIFIC. In your response, indicate the employer where this experience was obtained, dates of employment and position held. If no experience, type "N/A" in your response.

07

Please describe your experience utilizing a computer to retrieve and enter data. BE SPECIFIC. In your response, indicate the employer where this experience was obtained, dates of employment and position held. If no experience, type "N/A" in your response.

08

Please provide any additional information relevant to your qualifications for this position that you believe should be considered when evaluating your application. If none, type "N/A".

09

Do you possess a current, valid California Drivers License (CADL)? NOTE: Military Spouses, please attach copies of your supporting documentation. For more information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.

• Yes, I do possess a valid CADL.
• No, I do not possess a CADL but I am WILLING AND ABLE to obtain a CADL prior to appointment to this position.
• No, I do not possess a CADL, but I am a military spouse with a valid drivers license issued by the state of my active-duty spouses legal residency. I understand that I will be required to submit documents to verify, including but not limited to my dependent ID, my spouses current out-of-state drivers license, or any other document necessary to verify the information.
• No, I do not possess a CADL and I am UNABLE to obtain a CADL prior to appointment to this position.

10

This position requires the ability to qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check.

• I have read and understand the above requirements.

11

This position requires the ability to rotate worksite locations throughout Kings County including Hanford, Avenal, Corcoran and Lemoore locations as assigned. If assigned to these worksites, you will be required to drive to these locations using your own personal vehicle.

• I have read the above statement and am ABLE to meet the rotation requirements for this position.
• I have read the above statement and am UNABLE to meet the rotation requirements for this position.

12

BILIINGUAL FLUENCY This position requires English/Spanish bilingual fluency. Please indicate below your spoken Spanish fluency. My ability to translate English to Spanish as well as Spanish to English when speaking is:

• Fluent
• Good
• Fair
• N/A - Not bilingual

13

BILIINGUAL FLUENCY Please indicate below your written bilingual fluency (English/Spanish). My ability to translate English to Spanish as well as Spanish to English when written is:

• Fluent
• Good
• Fair
• N/A - Not bilingual

14

This position requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Yes, I am WILLING and ABLE to meet the above requirements.
• No, I am NOT ABLE to meet the above requirements.

15

I understand that only a complete and accurate application will be considered. I have included all current and at least 15 years previous work history and education. I also understand that my application must show all the relevant education and experience that I possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. Additionally, I understand that the supplemental questions are considered part of my official application. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, or discharge from employment. By clicking "I Accept" below, I certify that I understand and have followed the application instructions.

• I Accept

Required Question

Employer Kings County

Address Kings County Government Center

1400 W. Lacey Blvd

Hanford, California, 93230

Phone (559) 852-2510

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingscounty