Human Services Program Specialist

The Position

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 6/4/2026, 6/18/2026 (final). Under direction, the Human Services Program Specialist performs analytical, evaluative, coordinative and/or conceptual staff work in the planning, development and/or administration of human services programs.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Applicable laws, rules and regulations related to public human services
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to public human services
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Principles of effective customer service
• Socio-economic, environmental, and cultural factors affecting the behavior of disadvantaged persons
• Principles of human behavior including people under physical, psychological and social stress
• Types of financial, medical and public human services available to public assistance applicants
• Principles, practices, funding sources, laws and regulations, and administrative requirements in the program area to which assigned
• Techniques of contract negotiation and monitoring
• Practices and techniques of programmatic analysis and report writing
• Basic techniques of budget monitoring and reporting
• Techniques of interviewing for obtaining factual information
• Principles of work organization and time management

• Establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with customers, co-workers, other agencies and the general public
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Effectively organize and prioritize work assignments
• Keep accurate and orderly records
• Maintain confidential information
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Coordinate program activities and staff
• Develop effective policies and procedures
• Research, analyze, interpret, explain, and apply complex legislation, regulations, laws, directives, and other information pertaining to state human service programs and make appropriate recommendations
• Draw logical conclusions and make sound decisions and effective recommendations and adapt to quickly changing conditions
• Research documents including detailed and complex medical and legal terminology
• Conduct impartial, comprehensive case investigative reviews
• Gather information through record examination, research, and interview
• Work independently, adhere to rigid time schedules, maintain complex records, and prepare quasi-legal documents

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Either: Two years of paid full-time supervisory experience in the review of casework, eligibility, or benefit levels for protective services, public assistance, and/or human services program related to the provision of direct services related to client services. Or: Two years of paid full-time experience performing analytical and coordinative functions for a protective services, public assistance, and/or human services program related to the provision of direct client services. Note: If the word "experience" is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part-time paid experience may be accumulated and pro-rated to meet the total experience requirements. Probationary Period The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.

Application and Testing Information

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date. Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

Employee Benefits

As an employee of the County of Sacramento, there will be a variety of benefits available to you. These benefits currently include: health, dental and life insurance; flexible spending account options for dependent care and unreimbursed dental and/or medical cost; and an employee assistance program (EAP). Most employee benefits are similar to the following for all County employees. However, some benefits differ, depending on the employee representation unit to which the employee's job classification is assigned. Information about the exact benefits applicable to a particular job classification may be obtained from the Sacramento County Department of Benefits or by visiting