Salary : $77,688.00 - $94,848.00 Annually
Location : Eric Rood Government Center (Western County), 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Social Services
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 7/27/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

Definition and Class Characteristics
COUNTYWIDE PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY
OPEN TO CURRENT, REGULAR COUNTY OF NEVADA EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE COMPLETED TWELVE MONTHS OF SATISFACTORY PROBATIONARY SERVICE

Examples of Duties
This is a lead-level position in which individuals perform complex work and specialized assignments pertaining to a broad range of Social Services. Human Services Specialist IVs may be responsible to perform help desk functions, specialized casework functions, provide lead direction, and/or training, while continuing to perform interactive interviewing and fact gathering. Other vital duties include:

• Specialized and/or complex caseloads, processes and functions.
• Perform interactive interviews to elicit information and identify eligibility for differing public assistance programs and services based on division (Eligibility, Adult Services, In-Home Supportive Services, Veterans Services).
• Explain laws, regulations, rules, and policies to customers and apprise them of their rights, complaint resolution process, and responsibilities.
• Ensure accuracy and completion of applicable applications, declaration forms, agreements, and legal documents.
• Use a variety of methods, systems, and procedures for locating information and resolve discrepancies by securing documentation, assets, income, liabilities, medical records, and confirmation from other agencies.
• Serve as a first responder to calls for assistance from departmental staff who are faced with challenging or in-crisis applicants.
• Confer with workers regarding discrepancies in the systems.
• May provide supportive counseling and crisis intervention.
• May screen for suicide, substance use, serious mental illness, or need child support.
• May perform home visits to provide services.

Education and Experience Required
A Human Services Specialist is an integral part of our team whose mission is to protect lives, promote health and wellness, and provide support and services to help Nevada County residents meet their basic needs and to enhance the quality of life in our community! This position is crafted for individuals who have graduated from high school and hold an Associate of Arts or Science degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Business, Psychology, Social Work or a related degree. Two years of experience comparable to a Human Services Specialist II or III is required. Bachelor's degree preferred.

Individuals who show patience, understanding, and car in their dealings with others are highly valued. Other relevant personal traits include social skills, a strong sense of responsibility, a team approach and the ability to manage time effectively.

Our full-time staff members enjoy an extensive benefit package including but not limited to a generous leave program, 11 standard holidays and 2 floating holidays, CalPERS retirement, medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses, and a deferred compensation plan including 401(a), 457(b) and Roth options. Nevada County is also a qualifying employer for the through the Department of Education. And because we care about work-life balance, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options to our staff depending on program needs!

Benefits Guide

The is a comprehensive document for employees of the County of Nevada. Information contained in this summary of benefits is not a binding document. Refer to specific unit for additional benefit information.
Health Insurance
The County sponsored plan is the PERS Gold PPO, but you can also choose plans from providers such as Anthem, Blue Shield, and PORAC (if you are a member) to suit your needs.
Health Insurance Plans

• Anthem Blue Cross Select HMO
• Anthem Blue Cross Traditional HMO
• Blue Shield CalPERS Access+ HMO
• Blue Shield Trio HMO
• Kaiser HMO
• PERS Gold PPO (County sponsored plan)
• PERS Platinum PPO
• PORAC (Available to PORAC members only)

Flexible Spending Accounts
The County offers employees the option to contribute to a pre-tax medical FSA and dependent Care FSA.
Life Insurance
Voya is the County's life insurance provider. We offer the following products through Voya:

• Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Basic Term Life
• Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment plans
• Optional Dependent Term Life
• Optional Term Life

Dental & Vision Insurance
Nevada County employees can opt to receive dental and vision insurance without opting for health insurance coverage as well. This will give employees more flexibility to match their choice of insurance plans to their specific needs. Ameritas Dental is the dental provider offered through Nevada County and Ameritas VSP Vision Care is our vision care provider.
Retirement
The County is a member of the CalPERS retirement system and also provides the opportunity for voluntary contributions to a 457 deferred compensation account through Nationwide by way of pre-tax and Roth payroll deductions.

CalPERS Miscellaneous Tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employee originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 2.7% @ 55 Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 12/14/12-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6 months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 2%@60 Tier 3 (Hired by first CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13 or having a break in service of more than six months between another CalPERS employer and Nevada County) 2%@62

CalPERS Safety tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employees originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 3% @ 50. Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 7/2411-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6-months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 3% @ 55. Tier 3 (Hired by any CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13) 2.7% @ 57. We encourage you to visit the CalPERS home page, , to search related information about the retirement plans noted here so that you fully understand what your retirement formula means to you.

01

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• Did not graduate High School or GED
• High School or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

02

Please let us know the subject area of your college education.
03

Please describe your proficiency level in providing customer service.

• I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.
• I have had education or training in how to perform this task but have not yet performed it on the job.
• I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
• I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
• I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in doing this task because of my expertise.

04

Which of the following best describes your experience providing lead direction and/or training in the Human Services field?

• I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.
• I have had education or training in how to perform this task but have not yet performed it on the job.
• I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
• I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
• I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in doing this task because of my expertise.

05

Which of the following best describes your experience comparable to a Human Services Specialist II or III?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 or more years

06

The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish in addition to English would be an asset in this position, but is not required. Applicants for English/Spanish bilingual designation must take and pass the Spanish bilingual proficiency examination. Please let us know if you are Spanish bilingual.

• Yes
• No

07

This position is only open to current, regular County of Nevada employees who have completed twelve months of satisfactory, probationary service. Have you completed twelve months of satisfactory probationary service?

• Yes
• N0

Required Question