Human Services Program Specialist - Department Promotional - DHS

Kern County; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern County is issuing an exam-based opportunity in the Department of Human Services. This promotional examination tests your suitability through a performance component and an oral exam, with language skills and driving eligibility impacting ranking.

The process emphasizes eligibility and timely submission of bilingual qualifications where applicable. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and one year of supervisory or professional admin work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• One year of supervisory or professional administrative work experience.
• Possession of a Class C California driver's license upon appointment.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants are encouraged to apply and must submit a bilingual certificate.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Amended 10/12/2026

Department Promotional Examination

and is open to eligible employees of the Department of Human Services.

EXAMINATION SCHEDULE

• Performance Exam (Weight 30%): The performance test is a job-related exercise which may include a work problem, consisting of analysis and writing.
• Oral Exam (Weight 70%): Oral exam date will be announced five (5) days prior to the examination.

Examinations

Oral Exam (Weight 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of appraising the applicant's training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the position.

The Human Resources Division may solely conduct an appraisal of application materials should there be an insufficient number of candidates to warrant an oral exam. Should an appraisal be necessary, the appraisal will be weighted at 100%.

Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Examination components for promotional testing will be administered during the scheduled date/time/location without exception.

Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards

Completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND one (1) year of experience performing supervisory or professional administrative work in a public, private or nonprofit social services agency.

Additional Requirements

Some assignments may require two (2) years of child welfare social services work experience.

Possession of a Class C California driver's license is required upon appointment.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a bilingual (English/Spanish) certificate before the final filing deadline. Applicants who wish to be considered for bilingual employment must submit a bilingual certificate issued by the Kern County Human Resources Division or its authorized agent, Bakersfield College.

Full Job Description for Human Services Program Specialist

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

Growth Mindset

We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.