Human Services Specialist

City of Avondale, AZ; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Avondale is seeking a Human Services Specialist in the Neighborhood & Family Services Department. You will process applications for rental, utility, and mortgage assistance, determining eligibility and funding sources to best meet the needs of individuals and families.

You will collaborate with the Family Services team, community partners, and other city departments, providing referrals and maintaining documentation while supporting front desk operations in a trauma-informed,

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Two years of Human Services experience.
• Two years of case management experience.
• Valid Arizona Operator’s Driver’s License.
• Pass a background check; DPS Level 1 clearance preferred or within 30 days.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish preferred (verbal and written).

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service in person, by phone, and email; assist with applications and appointments.
• Interview clients to determine eligibility for rental, mortgage and utilities; mail letters.
• Provide referrals to CAP clients for food, clothing, and other services.
• Prepare reports, finalize applications, and file documentation; assist front desk operations.
• Coordinate with community partners and other city departments; work across multiple databases.
• Manage a caseload of clients and adapt to a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Interviews

Referral coordination

Trauma-informed care

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field

Tools

Databases

Job description

Job Description

The City of Avondale is accepting applications for a Human Services Specialist in the Neighborhood & Family Services Department. This position is responsible for processing applications for rental, utility, and mortgage assistance for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. You will work directly with the public to determine the applicant’s eligibility and funding sources that will best meet their needs. Provide referrals and direct linkage to other community-based support services to assist applicants and their families. Work collaboratively with the Family Services team, community-based partners, and other city departments.

Essential Functions

• Provides customer service including in-person, via phone, and email. Assists clients with submitting applications and scheduling appointments.
• Performs duties of CAP (Community Action Program) Caseworker, holds client interviews to determine eligibility for rental/mortgage and or utilities, Telephone Assistance Program. Completes forms and mails out approval/denial letters.
• Provides referrals for other assistance to CAP clients such as food and clothing assistance and other like services.
• Performs administration duties preparing reports, finalizing applications, and filing documentation. Answers phones, greets clients, performs data input, and completes other administrative tasks as necessary. This includes assisting with front desk operations for the resource center.
• Experience working with community-based partners. Familiar with resources in Avondale, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, and the greater Phoenix area.
• Ability to utilize and work across several databases simultaneously throughout the workday. Ability to adapt and adjust to a rapidly changing and dynamic environment.
• Experience carrying a caseload of at least Twenty (20) clients at a time.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and best practices in delivering human services.
• Comfortable and able to communicate kindly and professionally with the public over the phone, in person, and via email.
• Skilled in providing attention to detail. Organized and managed time well.
• Thrives in a high-paced deadline-driven environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent required. A Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field is preferred.
• Two (2) years of Human Services experience or experience in a related field.
• Two (2) years of case management experience.
• A valid Arizona Operator’s Driver’s License.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• An Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card is preferred OR must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• This position requires the successful completion of the Arizona Centralized Background Check at the time of hire and annually thereafter.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish (verbal and written) is preferred.

The City of Avondale offers a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding health and wellness benefits, financial perks, work-life balance, and more.