Social Service Appeals Officer

Bargaining Unit:
Local 21 - Non‑Supervisory Management

Contra Costa County is excited to announce a recruitment for the position of Social Service Appeals Officer. This position will be in the Administrative Services Bureau of the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD). We currently have one (1) vacancy. 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.

• Review case records and interview appropriate parties to obtain facts and clarification of points relating to issues being appealed for categorical aid and service programs.
• Research and review local, state, and federal regulations related to granting categorical aid and service programs to ensure customers receive due process.
• Prepare various documents, collect, analyze, and summarize data.
• Represent and testify on behalf of the County in administrative hearings.
• Serve as a hearing officer in evidentiary hearings, administer oaths, receive written and verbal testimony, examine witnesses, and prepare written decisions.
• Investigate complaints of discrimination in accordance with Civil Rights regulations.
• Provide guidance and instruction to district staff on corrective actions to be taken on appeal and complaint matters.
• Effectively engage with state personnel, including Administrative Law Judges, Appeals representatives from other counties, advocates, authorized representatives, customers, and County Employment and Human Services staff.

• License
  
  Required:
  
  Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out‑of‑State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.
• Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree, from an accredited college or university, with a major in business or public administration, social or behavioral sciences, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Either
  1) Three (3) years of full‑time experience in a public social service agency in a classification equivalent to Contra Costa County Eligibility Work Supervisor, Social Service Program Analyst or Social Work Supervisor with responsibilities for providing supervision, training, or program analysis to eligibility workers or social workers in categorical aid, public social service programs;
  2) Three (3) years of full‑time experience representing a public social service agency on categorical aid and/or service program appeals; or
  3) Three (3) years of experience in an In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program in a classification equivalent to Contra Costa County Social Worker and possession of a IHSS Academy certificate issued by the State of California Department of Social Services.
• Substitution for
  
  Education:
  
  Additional qualifying experience of the type noted above may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis, up to a maximum of two years.
• Substitution for Academic Major: One (1) year of additional qualifying experience, as noted above, may be substituted for the required academic major.

Desirable

Qualifications:

• Experience with direct and cross‑examination procedures.
• Experience working in multiple benefit programs at the County level.
• Experience navigating procedures relating to the appeal and hearing processes.
• Training on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Bilingual.

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data:
  Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data.
• Critical Thinking:
  Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims.
• Fact Finding:
  Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question.
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation:
  Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
• Adaptability:
  Responding positively to change and…