Human Services Specialist

City of Avondale•Avondale, AZ

About The Position

The City of Avondale is hiring a Human Services Specialist in the Neighborhood & Family Services Department. This position processes applications for rental, utility, and mortgage assistance for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. The specialist works directly with the public to assess eligibility and identify funding sources that best meet applicants’ needs, while providing referrals and direct connections to community-based support services. The role collaborates with the Family Services team, community partners, and other City departments. The position also provides customer service and administrative support for the resource center, including assisting clients with applications and appointments, conducting caseworker interviews, preparing correspondence and reports, maintaining documentation, answering phones, greeting clients, and entering data. The successful candidate is comfortable managing a caseload in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and adapting to changing needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Two years of human services experience or experience in a related field.
Two years of case management experience.
Valid Arizona Operator’s Driver’s License.
Ability to pass a background check.
Successful completion of the Arizona Centralized Background Check at hire and annually thereafter.
Ability to obtain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card within 30 days of hire if not already held.
Experience carrying a caseload of at least 20 clients at a time.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and best practices in delivering human services.
Ability to communicate kindly and professionally with the public by phone, in person, and by email.
Attention to detail, organization, and effective time management.
Ability to work across several databases simultaneously and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
Experience working with community-based partners.
Familiarity with resources in Avondale, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, and the greater Phoenix area.
Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, verbal and written.

Responsibilities

Provide customer service in person, by phone, and by email.
Assist clients with submitting applications and scheduling appointments.
Conduct client interviews to determine eligibility for rental, mortgage, utility, and Telephone Assistance Program support.
Process assistance applications and identify funding sources that meet applicants’ needs.
Complete forms and mail approval or denial letters.
Refer CAP clients to other assistance, including food and clothing support and similar services.
Provide referrals and direct linkages to community-based support services.
Prepare reports, finalize applications, and file documentation.
Answer phones, greet clients, enter data, and complete other administrative tasks as needed.
Assist with front desk operations for the resource center.
Collaborate with the Family Services team, community-based partners, and other City departments.