Human Service Assistant - Nubian Square - Spanish & Haitian Creole

Massachusetts Department of Public Health; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transitional Assistance in Massachusetts seeks a Human Service Assistant to provide interpretation and translation support for clients and to assist with eligibility processes. The role emphasizes clear communication across cultures, efficient administration, and collaboration with social workers in a busy office setting.

The position requires strong written and spoken English, fluency in a second language, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent listening skills with ability to ask questions to enhance communication.
• Ability to work with diverse populations in multiple roles.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations professionally.
• Ability to read, write and converse with clients in English and a second language.
• Two or more years of work experience with translation duties in social work or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Provide interpretation and translation services by gathering information, providing instruction, and facilitating clear and accurate communication.
• Convey information and explain actions to clients with varying expectations, needs, cultures, and languages.
• Assist applicants and clients in completing verifications for eligibility.
• Facilitate customer service delivery by responding to inquiries and explaining department procedures.
• Inform and direct clients in lobbies, waiting rooms, and self-service stations.
• Promote document processing and management in customer service delivery.
• Utilize Department systems and provide ongoing support to Social Workers.
• Stay current with self-service options, kiosks, DTA Connect, and Mobile apps.
• Exchange information with internal and external contacts per department policies.
• Provide administrative support within the local office as assigned by the supervisor.

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Human Service Assistant - Nubian Square - Spanish & Haitian Creole (260006E7)

Job Description

Human Service Assistant - Nubian Square - Spanish & Haitian Creole - ( 260006E7 )

Description

Human Service Assistant (HSA). Our ideal candidate will provide written and/or oral interpretation and translation services to assist clients and complete administrative tasks in a well-organized, efficient manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide interpretation and translation services by gathering information, providing instruction, and facilitating clear and accurate communication.
• Convey information and explain actions to clients with varying expectations, needs, cultures, and languages.
• Assist applicants and clients in completing and/or obtaining necessary verifications for eligibility determination.
• Facilitate customer service delivery by providing services to clients, such as responding to inquiries and explaining basic department procedures.
• Inform and direct clients in the lobbies, waiting rooms, and self-service stations.
• Promote customer service delivery through document processing and management.
• Convey information and explain actions to clients with varying expectations, needs, cultures, and languages.
• Utilize Department systems and equipment and provide ongoing assistance and support to Social Workers.
• Stay current and up to date with self-service options, including but not limited to kiosks, scanning, DTA Connect, and Mobile apps.
• Exchange information with internal and external contacts per existing department policies.
• Provide administrative support within the local office as assigned by the supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with Departmental Policy.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent listening skills, including the ability to ask questions to enhance communication and understanding.
• Strong interpersonal skills that demonstrate the ability to work with diverse populations in multiple roles.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to understand and apply policies and regulations.
• Ability to be flexible in order to respond to changing requirements and priorities.
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities and meet various deadlines through strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to read, write and converse with clients, colleagues and external contacts in English and a second language.
• Two or more years work experience, with written and oral translation duties, in social work or social casework, claims adjudication, job placement, recruitment, employment counseling, vocational or rehabilitation counseling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of specific local office procedures and requirements.
• Knowledge of continuing changes in laws, rules, regulations, programs, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing agency operations and assigned unit activities as they apply to this position.
• Knowledge of ongoing modifications in the types and uses of agency forms.
• High-level personal computer skills and more in-depth knowledge of various software options.

NOTE: Selected candidates must complete a language proficiency examination which will test reading comprehension, conversational, and writing skills in English and the specified second language.

About The Department of Transitional Assistance: The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every seven people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment support.

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None.

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: None.

LICENSES: Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title : Human Service Assistant A/B

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Roxbury-2201 Washington Street

Job

Community and Social Services

Agency

Department of Transitional Assistance

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Oct 1, 2026, 8:50:33 PM

Number of Openings

3

Salary

59,737.34 - 81,399.76 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affimative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Natasha Lugo [e-mail] - 8572830119

Bargaining Unit : 08-SEIU - Local 509 - Social/Rehabilitation

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : No