Social Services Assistant

County of Riverside; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health seeks a Social Services Assistant to support the HHOPE program in Riverside. You will help individuals experiencing homelessness stay engaged, housed, and connected to services, coordinate with housing vendors, and document in EPIC, HMIS, and internal tracking tools.

This role emphasizes teamwork, strong communication, and organization as you assist with housing placements, referrals, and program education, while adhering to safety and

Qualifications

• Experience as Community Services Assistant in Riverside County.
• Experience in social services, healthcare, mental health, or related agency.
• Valid CA Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Visit housing sites to verify placements and update bed utilization.
• Assist with basic housing support plans and referrals.
• Document interactions in EPIC, HMIS, and internal tracking tools.
• Provide program education on expectations and available resources.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to support housing stability.

Skills

Coordination skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

15 semester units / 24 quarter units in related field

Tools

EPIC

HMIS

Job description

Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health’s Homeless Housing Opportunities, Partnerships & Education (HHOPE) Program is currently seeking a qualified Social Services Assistant to join our team in Riverside.

In this role, Social Services Assistants support the HHOPE Program by helping individuals experiencing homelessness stay engaged, housed, and connected to essential services. They assist with tracking STPH and Housing Navigation members, confirming housing placements, conducting routine check-ins with housing vendors, and monitoring bed availability and member progress. They also help collect required documentation, distribute and gather monthly self-assessments, and provide basic program education to members. Social Services Assistants collaborate with PSC, BHS III, and Housing Navigation teams by communicating updates, supporting referrals to behavioral health and community services, and maintaining accurate documentation in EPIC, HMIS, and internal tracking tools. They also assist with data entry, follow up on error work queues, and transport members as needed. Strong coordination, communication, and organizational skills are essential to supporting this high-volume housing program.

Strong candidates will have experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, be familiar with Medi-Cal or CalAIM Community Supports, and feel comfortable using data systems such as HMIS or EPIC.

Schedule:9/80 (7:30 am- 5:30 pm/ Every other Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm)

Meet the Team!
Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health is a leading provider of mental health and substance use services in Riverside County. With a dedicated team of professionals, including psychiatrists, clinicians, peer specialists, and paraprofessionals, RUHS-BH serves over 45,000 individuals annually.

We are committed to delivering culturally competent, evidence-based care across all ages. Our programs, including Mental Health Services, Substance Use Services, and the Public Guardian’s Office, address the diverse needs of our community.

At RUHS Behavioral Health, you’ll join a compassionate, innovative team where your skills make a real difference. We offer opportunities for growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

If you’re passionate about advancing your career while improving mental health in Riverside County, RUHS Behavioral Health is the place for you!

For more information, please visit www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-health

• Conduct visits to housing sites and vendor locations to verify member placements, assess housing stability, and gather updates on member progress and bed utilization.
• Review member information and documentation to support the development and implementation of basic housing support plans, in coordination with PSC, BHS III, and Housing Navigation staff.
• Assist members in completing required program forms, housing-related documentation, and authorizations; help members access needed services by providing referrals and guidance.
• Provide members with basic education on program expectations, next steps, and available community resources to support housing stability and engagement in services.
• Support members in developing skills that promote successful housing retention, such as understanding house rules, navigating services, and maintaining communication with providers.
• Serve as a liaison between members, housing vendors, internal teams, and community partners by clarifying instructions, sharing updates, and facilitating access to services.
• Assist members with transportation to housing sites, appointments, or program-related activities, following all safety requirements and ensuring timely access to services.
• Document member interactions, housing updates, and service coordination activities in EPIC, HMIS, and internal tracking tools; maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic records.
• Support transitions between housing placements by coordinating with vendors, confirming bed availability, and ensuring required documentation is completed.
• Prepare basic reports, correspondence, and updates related to member status, housing progress, and program activities under the guidance of supervisory staff.

OPTION I

Experience: Six months as a Community Services Assistant in any Riverside County department.

OPTION II

Experience: One year experience performing client directed services in either a social service, healthcare, mental health, or non-county (public or private) agency and/or organization.

OPTION III

Education: Completion of 15 semester or 24 quarter units from an accredited college or university preferably with course work in psychology, sociology, social welfare, social/human services, other behavioral sciences, or a related field to the assignment.

ALL OPTIONS

Licenses: Valid CA Driver's License is required.

Knowledge of: Basic public social service programs at the state and local level; basic principles of public assistance policies, laws, rules, and regulations governing public social services agencies; current issues, in the field of social services; behavioral patterns of the disadvantaged; cultural and ethnic attitudes towards community and social services; basic principles of interviewing and problem-solving methods.

Ability to: Work effectively with a wide variety of agencies, organizations, and individuals; interview, evaluate clients and recognize the relevant and significant factors pertaining to their needs; implement basic social service plans and monitor client's progress toward established goals; understand and evaluate basic psychological, cultural, and social factors affecting behavioral patterns; explain department procedures; interpret agency programs and policies to clients, agencies, and organizations; read and interpret information obtained from computers, microfilms, and written documents; obtain information in a non-intrusive but persuasive manner; interact effectively with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit and work at a computer for extended periods, occasional standing, walking, and driving, with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on departmental needs.
• Must be able to independently lift and move items weighing up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on departmental needs.