Human Services Specialist I - Temporary

County of Nevada; Nevada City (CA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Nevada County's Health and Human Services Agency seeks a part-time, temporary Human Services Specialist (HSS) in Nevada City. Trainee-level HSS I provides in-service training; HSS II handles full, multi-program caseload with guidance as needed.

The role supports IHSS, APS, and Public Guardian programs, assists with intake, eligibility interviews, and connects clients to services. Work hours are 12-4 PM or 1-5 PM, Monday through Friday.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED certificate plus an associate degree in a related field.
• One year of clerical, administrative, or customer service experience.
• Experience in a setting with extensive public contact and heavy phone usage is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with intake for IHSS and APS.
• Perform interactive interviews and identify eligibility for public assistance programs.
• Connect customers to community services and programs.
• Refer customers to the Veterans Services Office for resources.
• Provide case support to Social Workers and Senior Outreach Nurses.
• Explain laws and policies and guide customers through rights and responsibilities.
• Provide clerical and legal document support for Adult Services.
• Support preparation of legal documents for the Public Guardian's Office.
• Be a first responder for Office of Emergency Services calls.
• Demonstrate patience, understanding, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Skills

Interviewing

Public assistance eligibility

Customer service

Phone handling

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree

Job description

INTERVIEWS FOR SELECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Are you seeking to make a positive difference in people's lives? Consider working as a part-time, temporary Human Services Specialist (HSS) at the Health and Human Services Agency in Nevada City! The HSS I is a trainee-level position in which individuals receive in-service training and are given detailed instructions. The HSS II is a journey level staff member in which staff members are expected to manage a full, multi-program caseload independently, referring regulatory or technical questions to a lead or supervisor.

The current available position is in our Adult Services Division of the Social Services Department. Our division includes Adult Protective Services (APS), In-Home Support Services (IHSS), Public Guardian (PG), and the Senior Outreach Nurse Program. Vital duties of this staff member include:

• Assist with in-take for IHSS and APS.
• Perform interactive interviews and identify eligibility for public assistance programs and services.
• Connecting customers to community services and programs.
• Refer customers to our local Veterans Services Office for available resources for Veterans and their dependents.
• Provide case support to Social Workers and Senior Outreach Nurses to improve customer independence.
• Explain laws, regulations, rules, and policies to customers while guiding them through their rights, the complaint resolution process, and responsibilities.
• Provide all clerical and legal document support duties for all Adult Services Departments.
• Have a desire to learn the preparation of legal documents for the Public Guardian's Office.
• First responder for Office of Emergency Services calls for assistance.
• Individuals who show patience, understanding, and caring in their dealings with others are highly valued. Other relevant personal traits include social skills, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to manage time effectively.

This position is part-time temporary; part-time employees work an average of 20 hours but not more than 29 hours per week, for a maximum of 960 hours per fiscal year. Temporary employees earn sick leave but are not eligible for other vacation or holiday pay, medical, dental, or vision benefits, or CalPERS. Must be able to work 12-4 PM or 1 – 5 PM Monday – Friday, no exceptions.

Graduation from high school/possession of GED certificate plus Associate of Arts or Science degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Business, Psychology, Social Work or a related degree. One year of general clerical, administrative, business office, or technical work experience required. Experience in a setting involving extensive public contact, heavy phone usage, and customer service is preferred.

Why Nevada County?

Because here, your contribution, your worth, your ideas, all have a place. We thrive on transparent and ongoing communication through employee newsletters, social media and hosted sites. We strive to be the best version of ourselves through continuous improvement. We learn and grow as a team. Great discoveries happen when people from a diverse set of backgrounds come together. Best of all, you make a difference in the lives of our community every day. Bring your whole self to our place.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill this and other openings as they occur.