Social Services Specialist

City of Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Berkeley is hiring a Social Services Specialist to conduct community outreach and develop person-centered service plans that help clients access and use community resources. Case and clinical oversight are provided by licensed department staff. Services may address transportation, food access, medical care, health insurance, benefits, legal assistance, affordable housing listings, utilities and energy assistance, and accessibility and safety issues.

The Specialist meets with clients in their homes or at designated community locations such as senior centers and shelters. Clients may have complex health issues, experience homelessness, or have functional impairments that make tasks more difficult. Each Specialist manages an individual caseload, while collaborating with the team to ensure appropriate client support and address safety in the field. Work is primarily on-site with clients, and employees must report in person most of the time. The current vacancy is in the Mental Health Division of the Health, Housing & Community Services Department. The classification is also used in Public Health, Aging Services, Neighborhood Services, and at Berkeley Public Library.

Requirements

• Equivalent to four 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, including demonstrated experience providing individualized client service coordination.
• Progressively responsible related experience may substitute for college coursework on a year-for-year basis.
• Ability to travel to various locations within and outside Berkeley to meet program needs and job responsibilities.
• A valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record are required when driving on City business.
• Must successfully complete required program trainings and certifications, which may include a background check.

Responsibilities

• Perform community outreach.
• Develop person-centered service plans to help clients access and use community resources.
• Coordinate individualized support in areas such as transportation, food access, medical care, health insurance, benefits, legal assistance, affordable housing listings, utilities and energy assistance, accessibility, and safety.
• Meet with clients in their homes or at designated community locations such as senior centers and shelters.
• Manage an individual client caseload.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure clients receive adequate and appropriate support and to manage field safety issues.
• Travel to locations within and outside Berkeley to meet program needs and fulfill job responsibilities.
• Provide services as a Disaster Service Worker during an emergency or disaster.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time