Benefits Analyst I/II - Limited Term (Open)

Benefits Analyst I/II - Limited Term (Open)

Salary

$74,796.80 - $94,785.60 Annually

Location

County of San Mateo, CA

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

G070AI

Department

Human Services Agency

Opening Date

09/02/2026

Closing Date

9/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

08

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Benefits Analysts perform a variety of tasks for applicants and recipients of public assistance including providing exemplary customer service in a call center environment and in regional offices, interviewing clients, and determining eligibility for one or more types of public assistance programs in accordance with established procedures/guidelines; responding to client inquires and reported changes; referring customers who are in need of service to the appropriate resource in the community; preparing and maintaining records/reports; utilizing public assistance benefits processing systems; and preparing mathematical calculations to determine eligibility for public assistance programs.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Two years of clerical or public contact work experience which involved responsibility for interviewing and recordkeeping, or two years of college level coursework, or one year of experience performing assessment, placement, and/or public assistance eligibility work in a social services department within the last five years.
• A commitment to public service demonstrated in part or prior experience providing exceptional customer service in the public, private or non-profit sector.
• Ability to be compassionate, have a positive attitude, and be motivated to help others.
• Experience serving economically disadvantaged persons is preferred.
• Proven capacity to build collaborative relationships with co-workers and clients from diverse cultural/socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work in a highly structured, fast-paced, and sometimes stressful environment.
• Ability to apply and interpret complex laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to perform mathematical computations quickly and accurately and utilize public assistance benefit processing systems effectively.
• Experience collecting and/or verifying sensitive information.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including excellent telephone skills to communicate courteously, efficiently, and accurately over the phone.

NOTE: Limited Term Employees are assigned to assignments not to exceed three years. They receive medical and dental benefits, similar to regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan. The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform interviews by phone or in person and to determine eligibility for public assistance programs including CalWORKs, General Assistance, CalFresh, Health Insurance, and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.
• Research and collect all required information to determine eligibility for appropriate programs.
• Provide eligibility determination information in person and/or via phone.
• Review, evaluate, and verify information submitted by applicants or recipients; contact appropriate sources of information to determine total financial resources of customers.
• Determine if customers are eligible or continue to be eligible for public assistance based on established federal, state, and county guidelines.
• Process eligibility forms.
• Compute financial budgets using required data systems to determine amount of cash payment and/or special benefits.
• Refer customers to appropriate agencies for specialized services.
• Maintain a record of all contact details.
• Maintain an updated appointment schedule.
• Complete case narrative templates as required following established procedures.
• Assist in developing immediate solutions to emergency problems and expediting delivery of needed services.
• Explain, interpret, and clarify public assistance laws and regulations, agency resources, procedures, rights, and responsibilities to customers.
• Report suspected fraud according to policy and procedure.
• Utilize data processing systems which apply to eligibility and grant determination.
• Attend staff meetings and in-service training sessions.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

Knowledge of:

Principles of eligibility determination; functions of public social services and agencies; interviewing techniques; public assistance laws and regulations; problems requiring referral for casework services; office procedures and practices, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment; basic record keeping principles and practices; and automated systems.

Skill/Ability to:

Follow instructions; organize and maintain a heavy workload on a current basis and within set deadlines; interview effectively and secure the cooperation of customers in obtaining pertinent personal information; make arithmetic computations quickly and accurately; utilize data processing systems; interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations; communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

Some positions may require employees to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Application/Examination

Open. Anyone may apply.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the Countys website, you may click on the "Apply" button. If you are not on the Countys website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

Training and Experience Evaluation

The first part of the process will consist of the Training and Experience evaluation which is based solely on the responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who achieve a passing score on the Training and Experience evaluation will be placed on the eligible list

Eligible List

Candidates must pass the Training & Experience evaluation in order to be placed on the eligible list. Candidates ranked within the top banded scores on the eligible list will be forwarded to the hiring department for departmental interviews, which may include a written exercise. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or by mail regarding their scheduled interview date and time. This department interview process will be the basis for final selection.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST

Training and Experience Evaluation: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Departmental Interviews: TBD

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

Analyst: Arlene Cahill (09022026) (Benefits Analyst I/II - G071 & G070)

We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.

01

INSTRUCTIONS: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will give us additional information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the selection process. Your responses to this Supplemental Questionnaire will be scored against a predetermined formula if you achieve a passing score on the written examination process. Your responses should be consistent with the information in your standard San Mateo County application and may be subject to verification. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of your answers to the questions.

• I have read and understand the above instruction.

02

Microsoft Excel - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how would you rate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel? (Please note that your response may be subject to verification and you may be tested on this application.)

• Expert - highly proficient in using this program and have provided training or guidance to others who use this program
• Advanced - proficient in using this program and no additional training needed
• Intermediate - experienced in using this program and may need additional training
• Beginner - basic experience but will need additional training or guidance
• No experience, but willing to learn

03

Microsoft Word - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how would you rate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Word? (Please note that your response may be subject to verification and you may be tested on this application.)

• Expert - highly proficient in using this program and have provided training or guidance to others who use this program
• Advanced - proficient in using this program and no additional training needed
• Intermediate - experienced in using this program and may need additional training
• Beginner - basic experience but will need additional training or guidance
• No experience, but willing to learn

04

Outlook - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how would you rate your level of proficiency with Outlook? (Please note that your response may be subject to verification and you may be tested on this application.)

• Expert - highly proficient in using this program and have provided training or guidance to others who use this program
• Advanced - proficient in using this program and no additional training needed
• Intermediate - experienced in using this program and may need additional training
• Beginner - basic experience but will need additional training or guidance
• No experience, but willing to learn

05

Data Entry and Retrieving Data from Computer System - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, select all task(s) you have performed. (Check all that apply.)

• Entered client information
• Entered income and property information
• Retrieved data/information
• None of the above, but willing to learn

06

Data Entry and Retrieving Data from Computer System - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how long have you performed the task(s) selected?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• Never, but willing to learn

07

Data Entry and Retrieving Data from Computer System - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how long ago did you perform the task(s) selected?

• Less than 6 months ago
• More than 6 months but less than 1 year ago
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years ago
• More than 2 years ago
• Never, but willing to learn

08

Data Entry and Retrieving Data from Computer System - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, in what context / environment did you most often perform the task(s) selected? (Check all that apply.)

• Non-profit Organization and/or Government
• Call Center
• Business Office
• In a classroom or academic setting
• No experience, but willing to learn

09

Data Entry and Retrieving Data from Computer System - List employers or references to verify your responses to Questions 7-10. Include the following information: (a) name of the employer or reference, (b) name of the supervisor or manager, (c) address, and (d) telephone number. If you are including more than one employer or reference, please list in the order from the most recent. (Please note that your responses should be consistent with the information in your standard San Mateo County application and may be subject to verification. This item is for information only and will not be scored.)

10

Maintaining Accurate Records - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, select all record(s) you have maintained. (Check all that apply.)

• Confidential Client Information
• Client Registration
• Other Records
• None of the above, but willing to learn

11

Maintaining Accurate Records - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how long have you performed the task(s) selected?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• Never, but willing to learn

12

Maintaining Accurate Records - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how long ago did you perform the task(s) selected?

• Less than 6 months ago
• More than 6 months but less than 1 year ago
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years ago
• More than 2 years ago
• Never, but willing to learn

13

Maintaining Accurate Records - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, in what context / environment did you most often perform the task(s) selected? (Check all that apply.)

• Non-profit Organization and/or Government
• Call Center
• Business Office
• In a classroom or academic setting
• No experience, but willing to learn

14

Maintaining Accurate Records - List employers or references to verify your responses to Questions 12-15. Include the following information: (a) name of the employer or reference, (b) name of the supervisor or manager, (c) address, and (d) telephone number. If you are including more than one employer or reference, please list in the order from the most recent. (Please note that your responses should be consistent with the information in your standard San Mateo County application and may be subject to verification. This item is for information only and will not be scored.)

15

Multi-tasking and Prioritizing Work to be Completed in Fast-paced Environment - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, select all task(s) you have performed. (Check all that apply.)

• Answering Phone Calls
• Updating Client information
• Responding to Community Partners
• Assisting Clients
• Meeting Multiple Deadlines
• Responding to Supervisors/Managers
• None of the above, but willing to learn

16

Multi-tasking and Prioritizing Work to be Completed in Fast-paced Environment - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how long have you performed the task(s) selected?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• Never, but willing to learn

17

Multi-tasking and Prioritizing Work to be Completed in Fast-paced Environment - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how long ago did you perform the task(s) selected?

• Less than 6 months ago
• More than 6 months but less than 1 year ago
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years ago
• More than 2 years ago
• Never, but willing to learn

18

Multi-tasking and Prioritizing Work to be Completed in Fast-paced Environment - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, in what context / environment did you most often perform the task(s) selected? (Check all that apply.)

• Non-profit Organization and/or Government
• Call Center
• Business Office
• In a classroom or academic setting
• No experience, but willing to learn

19

Multi-tasking and Prioritizing Work to be Completed in Fast-paced Environment - List employers or references to verify your responses to Questions 17-20. Include the following information: (a) name of the employer or reference, (b) name of the supervisor or manager, (c) address, and (d) telephone number. If you are including more than one employer or reference, please list in the order from the most recent. (Please note that your responses should be consistent with the information in your standard San Mateo County application and may be subject to verification. This item is for information only and will not be scored.)

20

Assisting Clients Over the Telephone and In-Person Taking Messages, Maintaining Logs and/or Calendars and Providing Information to Clients/Members of the Public - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, indicate your experience performing this task.

• Extensive experience - I have extensive experience that I could effectively perform this task in the most difficult and complex situations; and I could instruct others on specific aspects of this task.
• Above average experience - I have considerable experience that I could effectively perform this task under the majority of circumstances or situations encountered.
• Moderate experience - I have sufficient experience that would allow me to perform this task successfully in routine situations.
• Limited experience - I have some experience in performing this task, but may require additional instruction to apply my knowledge effectively.
• None of the above, but willing to learn

21

Assisting Clients Over the Telephone and In-Person Taking Messages, Maintaining Logs and/or Calendars, and Providing Information to Clients/Members of the Public - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• Never, but willing to learn

22

Assisting Clients Over the Telephone and In-Person Taking Messages, Maintaining Logs and/or Calendars, and Providing Information to Clients/Members of the Public - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how long ago did you perform this task?

• Less than 6 months ago
• More than 6 months but less than 1 year ago
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years ago
• More than 2 years ago
• Never, but willing to learn

23

Assisting Clients Over the Telephone and In-Person Taking Messages, Maintaining Logs and/or Calendars and Providing Information to Clients/Members of the Public - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, in what context / environment did you most often perform this task? (Check all that apply.)

• Non-profit Organization and/or Government
• Call Center
• Business Office
• In a classroom or academic setting
• No experience, but willing to learn

24

Assisting Clients Over the Telephone and In-Person Taking Messages, Maintaining Logs and/or Calendars, and Providing Information to Clients/Members of the Public - List employers or references to verify your responses to Questions 22-25. Include the following information: (a) name of the employer or reference, (b) name of the supervisor or manager, (c) address, and (d) telephone number. If you are including more than one employer or reference, please list in the order from the most recent. (Please note that your responses should be consistent with the information in your standard San Mateo County application and may be subject to verification. This item is for information only and will not be scored.)

25

Serving Economically Disadvantaged Persons; Interacting with Clients form Diverse Cultural Socio-economic Backgrounds - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, indicate your experience performing this task.

• Extensive experience - I have extensive experience that I could effectively perform this task in the most difficult and complex situations; and I could instruct others on specific aspects of this task.
• Above average experience - I have considerable experience that I could effectively perform this task under the majority of circumstances or situations encountered.
• Moderate experience - I have sufficient experience that would allow me to perform this task successfully in routine situations.
• Limited experience - I have some experience in performing this task, but may require additional instruction to apply my knowledge effectively.
• None of the above, but willing to learn

26

Serving Economically Disadvantaged Persons; Interacting with Clients form Diverse Cultural Socio-economic Backgrounds - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how long have you performed this task?

• 3 years or more
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• Never, but willing to learn

27

Serving Economically Disadvantaged Persons; Interacting with Clients form Diverse Cultural Socio-economic Backgrounds - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, how long ago did you perform this task?

• Less than 6 months ago
• More than 6 months but less than 1 year ago
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years ago
• More than 2 years ago
• Never, but willing to learn

28

Serving Economically Disadvantaged Persons; Interacting with Clients form Diverse Cultural Socio-economic Backgrounds - Considering your previous work experience, education, and training, in what context / environment did you most often perform this task? (Check all that apply.)

• Non-profit Organization and/or Government
• Call Center
• Business Office
• In a classroom or academic setting
• No experience, but willing to learn

29

Serving Economically Disadvantaged Persons; Interacting with Clients form Diverse Cultural Socio-economic Backgrounds - List employers or references to verify your responses to Questions 27-30. Include the following information: (a) name of the employer or reference, (b) name of the supervisor or manager, (c) address, and (d) telephone number. If you are including more than one employer or reference, please list in the order from the most recent. (Please note that your responses should be consistent with the information in your standard San Mateo County application and may be subject to verification. This item is for information only and will not be scored.)

30

Some positions require employees to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. Do you accept these work schedules? (Please note that this item is for information only and will not be scored.)

• Yes
• No

31

How did you learn about this position?

• County of San Mateo Website
• County of San Mateo Job Interest Card Notification
• County Hosted Virtual Event
• County Hosted Job Fair
• CalOpps.org
• College/University Career Center
• Community-based Organization Posting
• Facebook/Instagram
• Friend or Relative
• GovernmentJobs.com
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Professional Publication/Website (Please specify in next question)
• X (formerly called Twitter)
• Zip Recruiter
• Other (Please specify in next question)

32

If you answered, "Professional Publication/Website" or "Other" to the above question, please indicate below how you learned about this position. Your response to this question will help us in better marketing County jobs. Type NA if not applicable.

Required Question

Employer County of San Mateo

Address County of San Mateo Human Resources Department

500 County Center, 4th Floor

Redwood City, California, 94063-1663

Phone (650) 363-4343

Website https://jobs.smcgov.org