Community Services Specialist

Job Opportunity

The City of Berkeley is currently accepting applications for Community Services Specialist I. The Community Services Specialist I is a city-wide classification that provides professional level support in assigned community oriented programs. The type of duties performed may vary by program and department (depending on the needs, the type of services provided, and the focus of the program or department), but may include one or any combination of the following: program development, program or community agency monitoring or community organization.

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this classification is: A college degree in sociology or a related field from an accredited college or university. Progressively responsible experience in community organization, social services or a related field which has required independent program development and needs assessment skills may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

Other requirements:
Must have a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Must be willing to work evenings and/or weekends. Some positions may require bilingual language skills to meet the needs of the population to be served.

Applications must be received by 5:00 PM Pacific on November, 2, 2026 and must include a completed application and answers to the supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada. 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 and required documents
• Review of Supplemental Questionnaire
• Written Exam (in-person, tentatively scheduled for the week of December 7, 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 hiring departments 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 hr at the time of application.

Benefited employees receive a myriad of financial and other benefits, including CalPERS pension and other retirement plans, medical and dental coverage, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and more. Benefit-eligible employees include those with a regular work schedule of at least 20 hours per week. Employees working less than 30 hours per week may receive pro-rated benefits.

Retirement CalPERS City employees are included in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is either 2% at age 62 (PEPRA members) or 2.7% at age 55 (Classic members).

Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (SRIP) The City contributes 6.7% of the first $32,400 of the employee's salary (up to $2,170.80 annually) into a 401(a) account. The City is not a member of Social Security, therefore only the Medicare portion is deducted from employees' salaries.

Deferred Compensation The City offers voluntary 457 deferred compensation plans with CalPERS or Empower. Employees may contribute up to the IRS maximum on a pre-tax basis.

Medical Plans Employees can choose coverage under Kaiser HMO or Sutter Health Plan HMO. The City contributes an amount equal to the cost of the Kaiser premium. Employees who have medical coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided medical coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

Dental Plan The City provides group dental benefits through Delta Dental of California. The City contributes up to the family coverage for the plan, which covers 90% of the dental charges up to $2,000 annually per…