Registration Information Assistant - Sacramento - Merit System Services

Description

Salary: $ $23.72 Hourly
Location : Merced Los Banos or Atwater
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: MSS05761
Department: Merced County Human Services Agency
Opening Date: 01/15/2026
Closing Date: 1/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Information
Under general supervision, to assist applicants for public assistance programs; explain policies and procedures; gather and verify facts and information; initiate cases through an automated system; make appropriate referrals for health, social and/or employment services; and perform related work as required.
The Registration/Information Assistant is a specialized clerical classification in the Main and CalWORKs Reception Unit. Positions in this class are distinguished from those of Office Assistant II by the assignment of duties and primary responsibility for performing the initial application screening interview and related functions requiring a working knowledge of eligibility and employment services.
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides information, application forms, and declaration forms
• Explains policies, procedures, and requirements to applicants to
• Performs initial application screening interview for public assistance programs and services
• Explains the proper use of forms and documents
• Ensures accuracy and completion of application and declaration forms
• Questions applicants to gather and verify information and enter information directly into an automated computer system
• Create and issue Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards
• Schedules appointments with Family Services Representatives
• Documents client contacts into the automated computer system
• Refers applications in need of immediate services to appropriate resources
• Works collaboratively with other staff to respond to requests for information, assistance and registration
• Disperses information and answers questions about general functions, policies, programs, and procedures of the department
• Refers client to the appropriate personnel or location
• Screens and routes telephone calls
• Maintains department files in accordance with prescribed procedures and regulations
• Operates a variety of office machines and equipment such as typewriter, adding machine, personal computer, fingerprint and photo imaging equipment
• Compiles and assembles information from various sources
• Produces a variety of materials such as printouts, reports, fiscal or statistical statements
• Issues transportation passes and tokens
• Follows-up to secure additional information as needed
• Prepares and maintains office files
• Assists in training co-workers in office routines and practices
• Performs additional tasks related to case records
• As assigned, provides clerical backup for other departmental units.

Knowledge of:

• General functions, policies, programs and procedures of the County Human Services Agency.
• Methods and techniques used in gathering, organizing, researching, proofing, and evaluating data
• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Basic arithmetic functions.
• Modern office equipment and basic computer terminology.
• Clerical and department work practices, procedures, programs, services, policies, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Utilize a computer and a variety of software applications and programs.
• Interpret and apply a wide variety of laws, rules and policies
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Exercise good and independent judgment in determining and selecting appropriate application process alternatives, forms and desired actions within established work practices, procedures and commonly used regulations.
• Prepare and maintain accurate reports and records.
• Establish and maintain work relationship with others.
• Organize work and carry out assignments with minimum supervision.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with County staff, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.
• Organize work schedules and budget time efficiently.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Gather and verify initial application screening information.
• Interpret policies, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate conclusions
• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment, including repetitive hand and arm motions.
• Frequently sit for long periods
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
• Enter data accurately into automated system.
• Make referrals to appropriate agencies and social service programs.
• Respond appropriately to situations.
• Locate, identify, and correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Answer a variety of questions related to department programs and the application process.
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Follow written and oral directions and instructions.
• Resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of full time experience performing general office support work, involving frequent public contacts and computer operation, with at least one (1) year performing duties comparable to an Office Assistant II in Merced County.
Supplemental Information
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION - WEIGHTED 100%
The Training & Experience Examination is designed to elicit a range of specific information regarding each candidate's knowledge, skill, abilities, and potential to effectively perform the duties relative to the classification. Responses to the questionnaire will be assessed based on pre-determined rating criteria. All applicants must complete the entire examination to receive a score. In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, candidates must receive a minimum rating of 70% on the examination.
Examination administration and processing time is approximately two weeks after the closing date of the job bulletin.
ELIGIBLE LIST INFORMATION
A departmental open eligible list will be established for the county of Merced. The list will be utilized for 12 months after it is established unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.
RETEST PERIOD
Once you have taken the examination, you may not retest for SIX (6) MONTHS from the established eligibility date.
SPECIAL TESTING ARRANGEMENTS
Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants for disability, military, or religious reasons. If you require such arrangements, please contact CalHR at or upon notification that your application has been approved. Documentation from medical, military, school or church officials outlining the accommodation request must be received by our office a minimum of five business days prior to a scheduled examination.
EDUCATION DOCUMENTS
If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach your transcripts to your application. Applicants with foreign transcripts must provide a transcript evaluation that indicates the number of units to which the foreign course work is equivalent. Transcripts and evaluations may be unofficial; official transcripts may be required upon appointment. Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
MSS reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the recruitment if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified.
If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination. Your performance in this examination will be rated against predetermined rating criteria. All competitors who pass will be added to the eligible list. Meeting the entry requirements does not assure success in the examination or placement on the eligible list.
General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgement, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. As part of the hiring process, a background investigation may be required.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Merit System Services program is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENT
Some positions in this classification may require possession of a California driver's license. Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver's license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County. Eligibility for employment for those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on case-by-case basis by the appointing authority.
ABOUT MERCED COUNTY
Merced County is located in the northern part of the San Joaquin Valley in central California, an area earning worldwide acclaim for its rich agriculture, and spans from the coastal ranges to the foothills of Yosemite National Park. The City of Merced, the self-proclaimed Gateway to Yosemite, has a population of approximately 81,102, yet retains the charm of a small town with amenities routinely found in larger communities. Merced's revitalized downtown is emerging as the entertainment center of the area. The County is representative of the rural heartland and Gold Rush remnants underpinning the state's heritage. It is a peaceful, quiet, and friendly area with an abundance of beautiful bike paths and offers choices of higher education in UC Merced and Merced College.