Community Services Specialist I

City of Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Berkeley is seeking a Community Services Specialist I to provide professional level support across city-wide community programs. The role involves program development, monitoring of community agencies, and organizing community collaborations across areas like youth development, aging services, housing, and energy and sustainability.

A sociology degree or related field is preferred, with additional opportunity for substitution by relevant experience.

Qualifications

• A college degree in sociology or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Progressively responsible experience in community organization, social services or a related field which has required independent program development and needs assessment skills may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.
• Must have a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Must be willing to work evenings and/or weekends.
• Some positions may require bilingual language skills to meet the needs of the population to be served.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional level support in assigned community oriented programs.
• Duties vary by program and department but generally include program development, program or community agency monitoring, and/or community organization.
• Program areas may include youth development, aging services, animal services, housing, and energy and sustainability.

Skills

Program development

Needs assessment

Community organization

Social services

Bilingual (as needed)

Education

Bachelor's degree in sociology or related field

Job description

The City of Berkeley is currently accepting applications for Community Services Specialist I. The Community Services Specialist I is a city-wide classification that provides professional level support in assigned community oriented programs. Specific duties vary by program and department but generally include program development, program or community agency monitoring, and/or community organization. Program areas may include youth development, aging services, animal services, housing, and energy and sustainability.

See the full job specification here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/berkeley/classspecs/105198 A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this classification is: A college degree in sociology or a related field from an accredited college or university. Progressively responsible experience in community organization, social services or a related field which has required independent program development and needs assessment skills may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

Other requirements: Must have a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Must be willing to work evenings and/or weekends. Some positions may require bilingual language skills to meet the needs of the population to be served.

Applications must be received by 5:00 PM Pacific on November 2, 2026 and must include a completed application and answers to the supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to [e-mail]. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.

Please be aware of unauthorized job postings and communications. Applications will only be accepted via GovernmentJobs.com and we will only email candidates from the governmentjobs.com or berkeleyca.gov domain. If you encounter a suspicious job post or communication, please alert us at [e-mail].

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents
• Review of Supplemental Questionnaire
• Written Exam (in-person, tentatively scheduled for the week of November 30, 2026)

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to [e-mail] at the time of application.