Human Services Specialist

County of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Diego is seeking Human Services Specialists to determine eligibility for public assistance and provide direct client services in a fast-paced office environment. The role involves interviewing clients, collecting information, and navigating complex regulations using multiple electronic systems.

Positions are primarily office-based with potential teleworking after completing a 12‑month probation period.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of full‑time public contact work experience.
• Proficiency with Windows-based computer systems and common software.
• Ability to interpret and explain regulations and procedures.
• Experience interviewing clients and gathering information.
• Ability to handle inquiries, concerns, and conflicts professionally.

Responsibilities

• Determine eligibility for public assistance programs and community services.
• Interact with clients daily in person or by phone to collect information.
• Navigate and use multiple electronic systems to document interactions and case outcomes.
• Maintain accurate, organized case records and ensure data integrity.

Skills

Interviews & client interaction

Computer proficiency

Regulation interpretation

Data entry & documentation

Ethical standards

Education

Associate degree substitution for experience

Job description

If it is your passion to help others and you are willing to learn because you enjoy making a difference for other individuals and families, you may be the one we are looking for! The Health & Human Services Agency is seeking to fill a large number of vacancies across the different San Diego regions. Come join our team as a Human Services Specialist.

Self‑Sufficiency Services interviews will be held on October 24th and November 7th, 2026. Job offers will be made on the same day as the interviews.

Public Health Services interviews will be held on October 10th, 2026. Job offers will be made on October 30th, 2026.

Selected candidates will be hired at Step 1 of the salary range, $49,712.00 annually. County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.

Future Salary Increases

June 2027 – 4.61% increase to base pay (3% Across‑the‑Board + 1.61% Market Adjustment)

Positions available are to work in the office. Teleworking opportunities may be available after successfully passing the 12-month probationary period.

Human Services Specialists perform technical work in determining eligibility for clients who are applying for public assistance via governmental programs and community services. Incumbents will be assigned to various locations within the County of San Diego. Individuals who are successful in the recruitment process and are offered a Call Center assignment may have flexible work hours, including weekends.

Human Services Specialist is a technical class. Incumbents will go through an intensive training to learn program regulations and current system processes and will need to adapt and retain the knowledge acquired from these trainings to successfully perform the job functions of the class. Most importantly, patience, hard work, and perseverance on the job are a must as incumbents must continually interact with clients needing public assistance.

The current vacancies are in Regional Self‑Sufficiency Services and Public Health Services; however, the list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in other departments.

Hiring Process and Timeline

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

• Job Offers and Background Process begins: shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
• Pre‑employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

At least two (2) years of full‑time experience performing public contact work on a daily basis which must have included:

1. Interviewing persons and performing general clerical duties; OR,
2. Providing direct delivery of human services to clients; OR,
3. Processing documents related to personal or financial histories of clients or members of the public.

Previous education or experience must have included demonstrating knowledge of the basic operation and use of computers using a windows-type operating system.

Note: The possession of an associate degree or the successful completion of two (2) years of coursework from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency will substitute for the experience requirement stated above.

Individuals possessing bilingual language skills especially in Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Vietnamese, or Somali are encouraged to apply. If you wish to be considered for bilingual positions, you MUST indicate languages in which you are fluent in the Agency Wide Questions section of your application.

Ideal Candidate

Human Services Specialists work takes place in a fast‑paced office environment that involves carrying a high number of client cases, interacting daily and in‑person with clients, and daily and frequent use of computers utilizing a variety of electronic systems to complete tasks. Incumbents are required to multi‑task, be highly organized, and be adaptable to regular changes to workload, tasks, and computer systems. Some positions may be assigned to travel to outside agencies, medical facilities, and the homes of clients. Incumbents occasionally have difficult interactions with individuals who may be ill, homeless, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The ideal candidate for this position possesses the following qualifications:

• Is proficient with using computers and computer systems to enter data, navigate a variety of screens, and manage workload
• Has experience interpreting and explaining regulations and procedures
• Is skilled at interviewing clients and gathering information
• Has experience with working directly with clients answering questions, handling complaints and resolving conflicts
• Has experience analyzing information and evaluating results
• Maintains a high level of ethical standards at all times

Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Conditions of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre‑employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre‑employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job‑related activities of the position. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation

The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a three (3) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Selected candidates that are successful through the interview process will go through an in‑house training and must pass required assessments in training to continue and be assigned as Human Services Specialists.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case‑by‑case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization.

Veteran’s Preference Policy

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.

Military Skills Translator

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

Disaster Service Workers

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term “public employees” includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.