Application Specialist, FAD (Temporary, Full-Time)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County provides application assistance and support to low- income individuals and families who may qualify for CalFresh and Medi-Cal. We also offer information and guidance to eligible families applying for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Our primary goal is to educate and inform the community about public benefit programs, raise awareness of eligibility criteria, and assist individuals and families in completing applications through BenefitsCal or the WIC enrollment process.

This is a temporary full-time, non-exempt position. Estimated end date of assignment is June 30, 2025.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct eligibility assessments for individuals and families potentially qualifying for CalFresh and Medi-Cal.
• Assist applicants in completing and submitting applications for CalFresh and Medi-Cal.
• Provide follow-up support to ensure eligible families successfully obtain benefits.
• Guide families through the CalFresh renewal and Medi-Cal redetermination processes to prevent lapses in coverage.
• Conduct outreach activities to increase awareness of public benefit programs.
• Distribute flyers, brochures, and other materials to promote available services.
• Participate in community events to educate families on public benefits and provide direct assistance.
• Administer surveys, as required by contracts, to assess program knowledge and effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate records of all services provided.
• Provide phone-based support and customer service during work hours.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in interdepartmental and agency-wide activities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, as well as agency policies.
• Complete all mandatory training sessions.
• Represent Catholic Charities on relevant boards and committees as assigned.
• Assist with the setup and breakdown of outreach and tabling events, including transporting tables and chairs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Customer service or related experience preferred.
• Familiarity with public and private health and social service agencies, faith-based organizations, and public assistance programs in the Bay Area, particularly in Santa Clara County.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bilingual skills - fluency in a language commonly spoken by immigrant communities in Santa Clara County.
• Proficiency in word processing and data entry.
• Strong computer skills for completing public benefits applications online.
• Strict adherence to California Welfare and Institution Code 5328 regarding confidentiality.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills; must be friendly, dependable, and flexible.
• Ability to engage with the public in a professional and supportive manner.
• Positive, team-oriented attitude with a commitment to community service.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to travel to agency sites throughout Santa Clara County.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful completion of a criminal background check (LiveScan fingerprinting required).
• Completion of a TB test with submitted results.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster status.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and auto insurance per agency policy, or access to reliable
  transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work may be conducted indoors and outdoors, including in inclement weather.
• Requires travel within Santa Clara County and a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to support outreach events.
• Business casual dress code required. During outreach events, staff must wear black pants or dark jeans, a Catholic Charities T-shirt or polo, and an agency-issued employee badge.

HOURS AND OTHER CONDITIONS:

• Standard office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• This is a temporary full-time, non-exempt position. Availability for evenings and weekends is required to support community events and outreach efforts.

This job description outlines the general nature and scope of work for this role. It is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. Catholic Charities reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as needed to meet the evolving needs of clients and agency operations.

Catholic Charities is a non-profit, equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Clients receiving services are entitled to a harassment-free environment, protection from retaliation, and reasonable accommodations for qualified disabilities.