Social Services Specialist

City of Berkeley, CA; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for a position as Social Services Specialist. This role involves community outreach and developing person-centered service plans to help clients access community resources, with case and clinical oversight by licensed department staff.

The on-site work continues in the Mental Health Division of the Health, Housing & Community Services Department. You will meet clients in homes or pre-designated community locations like senior centers or shelters, and

Qualifications

• Equivalent to possession of four years of college with major coursework in social work, psychology, community health or a closely related field.
• Two years of experience in community organization, social services, health or a related field with demonstrated experience in individualized client service coordination.

Responsibilities

• Perform community outreach and develop person-centered service plans for clients.
• Coordinate with licensed department staff for case and clinical oversight.
• Assist clients in accessing community resources including health care, housing, utilities and safety resources.
• Meet with clients in their homes or designated community locations such as senior centers or shelters.
• Work primarily on-site with clients and report in person the majority of the time.

Skills

Client service coordination

Community outreach

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Four years of college coursework in social work/psychology/community health or related field

Job description

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for a position as Social Services Specialist! In this role, you will perform community outreach and develop person-centered service plans to assist clients in accessing and using community resources, with case and clinical oversight provided by licensed department staff.

Service areas may include transportation, food access, medical care, health insurance, benefits, legal assistance, affordable housing listings, utilities and energy assistance resources, and accessibility and safety issues. You'll meet with clients in their homes or in pre-designated community locations like senior centers or shelters. Many clients have complex health issues, experience homelessness, and have other functional impairments that create barriers to completing tasks. While each Social Services Specialist has their own client caseload, the team works collaboratively to ensure that adequate and appropriate support is provided to clients and to manage safety issues in the field.

Work is performed primarily on-site with clients; incumbents will be required to report to work in person the majority of the time. The current vacancy is in the Mental Health Division of the Health, Housing & Community Services Department. This classification is also used in Public Health, Aging Services, Neighborhood Services and at Berkeley Public Library.

See the full job class specification here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/berkeley/classspecs/1070143

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this classification is: Equivalent to possession of four (4) years of college with major coursework in social work, psychology, community health or a closely related field from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in community organization, social services, health or a related field, with demonstrated experience in providing individualized client service coordination. Progressively responsible related experience may be substituted for the college coursework on a year for year basis.

Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside of Berkeley to meet program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, incumbents must have a valid California driver’s license as well as a satisfactory driving record. Must successfully complete required program trainings and certifications, which may include a background check.

Applications must be received by November 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM Pacific and must include a completed application and answers to the supplemental questions.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to [e-mail]. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications
• Written Exam (in-person, tentatively scheduled for November 20, 2026)

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification.

The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that the hiring department will use to conduct final selection interviews.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to [e-mail] at the time of application.