Community Services Specialist

City of Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a passionate Community Services Specialist to enhance community engagement through innovative programs. This role involves planning, organizing, and implementing services that cater to diverse community needs, including child services and special events. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, effectively lead part-time staff, and ensure exceptional service delivery. Join a team committed to creating a vibrant community where residents can live, work, and play safely and enjoyably.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in community services or related field.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED within three months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement community service programs.
• Supervise part-time staff and manage daily operations.
• Interact with public and resolve inquiries.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Customer service

Team leadership

Multitasking

Public interaction

Education

Two years of college coursework in Recreation or related field

Tools

City software platforms

Job description

The City of Irvine is seeking to fill a Community Services Specialist vacancy. The Community Services Specialist will plan, organize, and implement community services programs for an assigned area.This recruitment will establish an Eligibility List for the Community Services Specialist position, which will expire on 5/15/26.

The current vacancy is with:

- Child Services (Turtle Rock Community Center):
The Community Services Specialist position at Turtle Rock Community Center will oversee all child services, including coordination of the Kids Club and Kindy Cove after-school recreation programs, summer, winter, and spring iCamps, and a variety of other park special events. The Specialist will develop, plan, and implement a variety of school-age activities, classes, and programs, and work with community partners, including the school district and local organizations, to deliver exceptional services. The Specialist also serves as full-time support to part-time personnel, program participants, and volunteers. Administrative duties may include staff scheduling, training, mentoring, and overall supervision of daily operations. Schedule includes weekday mornings and evenings.

Future vacancies may include:

• Child Services
• Facility Operations
• Special Events
• Aquatics
• Athletics
• Youth Outreach
• Senior Services
• Disability Services

Your Impact

• Plan, organize, supervise, and implement a core community service program within a specific section.
• Successfully interact with the public, various community groups, and all levels of City staff, as well as work cooperatively with team members.
• Schedule and supervise part-time staff, prioritize and review work, provide technical guidance and training, and evaluate employee performance.
• Respond to and resolve inquiries and concerns from participants, parents, facility patrons, and the public.
• Participate in program budget preparation, prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations, submit justifications for assigned programs, and monitor and control expenditures.
• Enforce City policies, procedures, and applicable regulations to assure the safety and welfare of participants. Respond to emergencies and provide appropriate First Aid or other assistance.
• May oversee facility operations, identify maintenance and safety problems, submit work orders, purchase/requisition supplies and equipment, and serve as a liaison with Facilities Maintenance, Landscape Maintenance, and other on-site contractors.
• May assist with internal and external facility reservations. Conduct facility tours, review application requests, prepare CivicRec permits, and coordinate logistics.
• May provide expertise in the planning and execution of special events, including, but not limited to, production schedules, site plans, traffic and parking planning, and signage needs.
• Provide program CivicRec inputting and proofing for resources such as Inside Irvine and IUSD Newsletters.

Find additional information in theCommunity Services Specialist job description.

Best Fit

• Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to effectively listen and respond to the public’s needs by providing services, information, and assistance in a professional, courteous, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to follow directions, manage multiple priorities, and accurately complete requests in a busy environment.
• Ability to lead and mentor a team of part-time staff.
• Diverse experience in both administrative and field operations.
• Ability to evaluate program budgets, publicity material, and other documents relevant to programming and operations.
• Familiarity with purchasing processes, work order submittals, and City software platforms.
• Experience with fostering quality guest experience and high commitment to customer service.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; flexibility to respond to changes in direction quickly and effectively.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of college or university-level work (coursework in Recreation, Social Ecology, Education or a related field preferred).
• Two years of experience as a Community Services Leader or within a specialized program area, preferably with the City of Irvine, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license and evidence of a good record.
• May require the successful completion of a Class B physical and driving exam.
• Requires certification in First Aid/CPR/AED within three months of employment.
• May require evidence of a negative tuberculin test taken within the past two years.

Your Team

The Community Services Department provides exceptional service, innovative programs, and diverse cultural experiences in vibrant and sustainable spaces. The department consists of the following award-winning programs and services: Human Services; Community Parks, Outreach and Open Space; Athletics, Aquatics, Arts, GP Operations, and Attractions; Reservation, Program Services, and Special Events; Irvine Animal Care Center; Administrative Services; and Library Services.

The Mission of the Employees of the City of Irvine is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and play in an environment that is safe, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing. We are one team that exists to serve our community in the continual pursuit of a City that offers an exceptional quality of life.

The City of Irvine’s five values of Humility, Innovation, Empathy, Passion, and Integrity reflect the interests and needs of the community, and the level of service they expect and desire. We areOne Irvine through embrace of a team-oriented approach by living our values every day.

The Process
The selection process will include a verbal examination and conduct a background investigation prior to appointment. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.