Human Services Specialist

Job Summary

HUMAN SERVICES SPECIALIST

The Health & Human Services Agency is seeking to fill a large number of vacancies across the different San Diego regions. If it is your passion to help others and you are willing to learn because you enjoy making a difference for other individuals and families, you may be the one we are looking for!
 

Click on the video to learn more about being a Human Services Specialist. 

Interviews will be held on January 11 & January 25, 2025. Job offers will be made on the same day as the interviews.
 

Positions available are to work in the office. Teleworking opportunities may be available after successfully passing the 12-month probationary period.

Human Services Specialists perform technical work in determining eligibility for customers who are applying for public assistance via governmental programs and community services. Incumbents will be assigned to various locations within the County of San Diego. Individuals who are successful in the recruitment process and are offered a Call Center assignment may have flexible work hours, including weekends.

Human Services Specialist is a technical class. Incumbents will go through an intensive training to learn program regulations and current system processes and will need to adapt and retain the knowledge acquired from these trainings to successfully perform the job functions of the class. Most importantly, patience, hard work, and perseverance on the job are a must as incumbents must continually interact with customers needing public assistance.

Click here for the Human Services Specialist job description, including qualifying education and/or experience, working conditions, etc.

HIRING TIMELINE AND DATES

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
Background Process: begins day of interview.
Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
At least two (2) years of full-time experience performing public contact work on a daily basis which must have included:

Interviewing persons and performing general clerical duties; OR,
Providing direct delivery of human services to clients; OR,
Processing documents related to personal or financial histories of clients or members of the public.
Previous education or experience must have included demonstrating knowledge of the basic operation and use of computers using a windows-type operating system.

Note: The possession of an associate degree or the successful completion of two (2) years of coursework from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency will substitute for the experience requirement stated above.

Individuals possessing bilingual language skills especially in Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Vietnamese, or Somali are encouraged to apply. If you wish to be considered for bilingual positions, you MUST indicate languages in which you are fluent in the Agency Wide Questions section of your application. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Human Services Specialists work takes place in a fast-paced office environment that involves carrying a high number of client cases, interacting daily and in-person with clients, and daily and frequent use of computers utilizing a variety of electronic systems to complete tasks. Incumbents are required to multi-task, be highly organized, and be adaptable to regular changes to workload, tasks, and computer systems. Some positions may be assigned to travel to outside agencies, medical facilities, and the homes of customers. Incumbents occasionally have difficult interactions with individuals who may be ill, homeless, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The ideal candidate for this position possesses the following qualifications:
Is proficient with using computers and computer systems to enter data, navigate a variety of screens, and manage workload
Has experience interpreting and explaining regulations and procedures
Is skilled at interviewing customers and gathering information
Has experience with working directly with customers answering questions, handling complaints and resolving conflicts
Has experience analyzing information and evaluating results
Maintains a high level of ethical standards at all times

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENTAs part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

EVALUATION

The names of qualified candidates will be placed on a two (2) month employment list based on information provided on the supplemental application form.

Please be advised that 100% of your final score will be determined by the responses you provide on the Supplemental Questionnaire. The information you provide may be subject to verification at time of interview.

Selected candidates that are successful through the interview process will go through an in-house training and must pass required assessments in training to continue and be assigned as Human Services Specialists.

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to
assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.

Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all. 

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 – 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term “public employees” includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset, and our customers are our number one priority.