Social Services Specialist Jobs
Social Services Specialist jobs are open across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, and community advocacy groups, from entry-level case aide roles to senior program specialists and clinical coordinators, with specializations in child welfare, housing assistance, and mental health services. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE***
Job Summary
The Nevada Health Authority, Division of Consumer Health Services, Public Option Unit is hiring for a Social Services Program Specialists 2 in Carson City or Reno, NV. This position will work closely with the Battle Born State Plan issuers to ensure contracted terms are being adhered to by the issuers. This position will also work in the day-to-day operation of the Market Stabilization programs: statewide reinsurance, quality improvement, and Practice in Nevada loan repayment. This position participates in agency boards/committees, public hearings, workshops, interagency meetings, and all other meetings as requested. Public speaking will be required as well as the ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws and regulations.
Social Services Program Specialists perform administrative and professional work in conjunction with the administration of statewide public assistance, medical assistance, or social services programs. Positions allocated to this series are primarily focused on program administrative functions which include interpretation of regulations and laws; development of program policies and procedures; quality assurance and quality control; preparation of statistical and narrative reports for federal and State entities and division/department management; and development and enhancement of automated systems that support program operations. While incumbents in this series may interact with clients to resolve customer service issues, the purpose of these positions is not the delivery of direct services to program participants. Employees may be assigned supervisory or lead worker responsibility at any level in the series, but this responsibility does not, by itself, warrant allocation to a higher level.
Essential Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study pertinent to the program assignment and one year of professional experience providing social services to clients or program development and evaluation which required the application of regulations, laws, policies and procedures in making determinations; OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study pertinent to the program assignment and one year of professional experience providing medical assistance programs, services, or healthcare services to clients or program compliance and evaluation which required the application of regulations, laws, policies and procedures in making determinations; OR one year of experience as a Social Services Program Specialist I in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
Job Duties
Participate in planning and developing social services or medical assistance programs to provide needed services; conduct needs assessments; research and evaluate existing programs; identify community and financial resources, and establish committees to assist with program development; calculate the financial and operational impact to the agency; prepare reports and recommendations for management; apply for grants; draft proposed legislation; develop program plans and acquire administrative approval.
Develop and revise program documentation to include State plans, policy manuals, procedures, and contracts to ensure programs are implemented in accordance with program goals and objectives and in compliance with federal regulations and State laws; analyze and interpret federal regulations and State laws; determine the impact upon program operations; gather input from program personnel and other interested parties, coordinate with other affected units within and outside the agency, and acquire agency approval and regulatory approval as needed.
Monitor program quality and compliance to ensure programs are operating effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with program requirements; design monitoring instruments; develop and monitor management information reports; conduct on-site reviews to include a review of program operations, management practices, and program and financial records; identify problem areas, summarize findings in a written report, and develop corrective action plans.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to program staff and respond to inquiries and requests for information from a variety of individuals such as agency management and personnel, other government agencies, community representatives, government officials, media representatives, attorneys, and the general public; interpret federal and State regulations; provide policy clarification and statistical information, complete surveys, resolve complaints, and draft correspondence for managers, administrators and officials.
Conduct research studies to provide administration with needed information; plan the study and design instruments for gathering data; research existing programs, compile and analyze data, prepare comprehensive reports, and develop recommendations.
Prepare and monitor program operating budgets to ensure funds are expended appropriately and in accordance with the goals and objectives of programs; develop annual budgets, allocate funds among program offices, monitor revenue and expenditures and propose funding adjustments if necessary.
Promote social services or medical assistance programs and serve as a spokesperson for the division; communicate and meet with program personnel, clients, providers, media representatives, community groups, and government officials to promote program goals and objectives; serve as a liaison with federal, State, and local officials regarding the program; deliver speeches and write press releases and public service announcements; and develop informational material such as posters, brochures and pamphlets.
Develop and implement training programs; analyze and research training needs and evaluate training models; develop appropriate training curricula, materials, and methods; establish training schedules, conduct training sessions, and evaluate and update curricula on an ongoing basis.
Provide technical guidance to service providers within or outside the State; explain policies, procedures and applicable regulations; provide consultation on problematic cases.
Participate in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of computerized systems to support program operations; research and evaluate the needs of program staff, initiate system change requests, and work with programming staff to test and implement system changes; prepare documentation for the computer system manual as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Under direction, incumbents perform the full range of duties described in the series concept in conjunction with planning, developing, and implementing comprehensive, complex social services or medical assistance programs. Incumbents interpret broad and sometimes ambiguous statutes and regulations that govern the assigned program area; independently make decisions regarding day-to-day program administration activities; apply recognized professional principles to develop solutions to problems; interpret and apply new and existing policies and procedures, and monitor and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations and personnel. Decisions of a controversial nature or which have a significant impact on the program are made in conjunction with, or referred to, supervisory and managerial personnel. In conjunction with higher-level program staff, managers and chiefs, incumbents participate in the development and initial implementation of new program components, short- and long-term plans for the assigned program area and develop new program policies that are reviewed and approved by management prior to implementation.
This class is distinguished from Social Services Program Specialist I by greater responsibility for comprehensive complex programs and/or grants, and independence in interpreting statutes and regulations. At this level, many positions are responsible for new program components or have regional responsibilities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.
Working knowledge of: social services and resources applicable to the assigned program; methods of administering social or medical assistance programs in local and regional offices to ensure compliance with federal regulations and State law and implement new policies and procedures.
General knowledge of: purpose and scope of assigned programs; appeal and hearing processes and protocols; automated information system logic and its application to the program assigned; data processing concepts including general data base, system security, data communication, and multiple platform strengths and weaknesses; computer technologies sufficient to develop automated training modules; develop routine database applications; principles and practices for the development and presentation of training classes.
Ability to: develop routine databases; evaluate program effectiveness and recommend innovative and improved procedures and practices to enhance program services; mediate between contending parties such as clients and staff, legal services and staff, contractors and the division; coordinate program activities with professionals from a variety of disciplines; interpret broad, ambiguous, and sometimes conflicting regulations and laws; make independent decisions that impact the quality of services provided; resolve complex issues such as eligibility for services; resolve compliance problems while maintaining level of services; identify policy issues which require management resolution; analyze and communicate system needs to programmers and validate the programming process; prepare and update documentation for the computer system manual; conduct needs assessments and interpret results including training needs; evaluate training models and develop appropriate training curriculum, materials and methods; develop statistical and analytical reports; interpret case and program budgets and financial statements; coordinate program staff and unit activities by determining the time, place, and sequence of actions; plan and conduct meetings; relay clear and concise findings to service providers and contract personnel including responding appropriately to opposition or disagreement.
Skill in: troubleshooting computer operating problems.
Recruiter Contact Information: Jenn Trachet -
jtrachet@admin.nv.gov
The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.
Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.
***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE***
Job Summary
The Nevada Health Authority, Division of Consumer Health Services, Public Option Unit is hiring for a Social Services Program Specialists 2 in Carson City or Reno, NV. This position will work closely with the Battle Born State Plan issuers to ensure contracted terms are being adhered to by the issuers. This position will also work in the day-to-day operation of the Market Stabilization programs: statewide reinsurance, quality improvement, and Practice in Nevada loan repayment. This position participates in agency boards/committees, public hearings, workshops, interagency meetings, and all other meetings as requested. Public speaking will be required as well as the ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws and regulations.
Social Services Program Specialists perform administrative and professional work in conjunction with the administration of statewide public assistance, medical assistance, or social services programs. Positions allocated to this series are primarily focused on program administrative functions which include interpretation of regulations and laws; development of program policies and procedures; quality assurance and quality control; preparation of statistical and narrative reports for federal and State entities and division/department management; and development and enhancement of automated systems that support program operations. While incumbents in this series may interact with clients to resolve customer service issues, the purpose of these positions is not the delivery of direct services to program participants. Employees may be assigned supervisory or lead worker responsibility at any level in the series, but this responsibility does not, by itself, warrant allocation to a higher level.
Essential Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study pertinent to the program assignment and one year of professional experience providing social services to clients or program development and evaluation which required the application of regulations, laws, policies and procedures in making determinations; OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study pertinent to the program assignment and one year of professional experience providing medical assistance programs, services, or healthcare services to clients or program compliance and evaluation which required the application of regulations, laws, policies and procedures in making determinations; OR one year of experience as a Social Services Program Specialist I in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
Job Duties
Participate in planning and developing social services or medical assistance programs to provide needed services; conduct needs assessments; research and evaluate existing programs; identify community and financial resources, and establish committees to assist with program development; calculate the financial and operational impact to the agency; prepare reports and recommendations for management; apply for grants; draft proposed legislation; develop program plans and acquire administrative approval.
Develop and revise program documentation to include State plans, policy manuals, procedures, and contracts to ensure programs are implemented in accordance with program goals and objectives and in compliance with federal regulations and State laws; analyze and interpret federal regulations and State laws; determine the impact upon program operations; gather input from program personnel and other interested parties, coordinate with other affected units within and outside the agency, and acquire agency approval and regulatory approval as needed.
Monitor program quality and compliance to ensure programs are operating effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with program requirements; design monitoring instruments; develop and monitor management information reports; conduct on-site reviews to include a review of program operations, management practices, and program and financial records; identify problem areas, summarize findings in a written report, and develop corrective action plans.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to program staff and respond to inquiries and requests for information from a variety of individuals such as agency management and personnel, other government agencies, community representatives, government officials, media representatives, attorneys, and the general public; interpret federal and State regulations; provide policy clarification and statistical information, complete surveys, resolve complaints, and draft correspondence for managers, administrators and officials.
Conduct research studies to provide administration with needed information; plan the study and design instruments for gathering data; research existing programs, compile and analyze data, prepare comprehensive reports, and develop recommendations.
Prepare and monitor program operating budgets to ensure funds are expended appropriately and in accordance with the goals and objectives of programs; develop annual budgets, allocate funds among program offices, monitor revenue and expenditures and propose funding adjustments if necessary.
Promote social services or medical assistance programs and serve as a spokesperson for the division; communicate and meet with program personnel, clients, providers, media representatives, community groups, and government officials to promote program goals and objectives; serve as a liaison with federal, State, and local officials regarding the program; deliver speeches and write press releases and public service announcements; and develop informational material such as posters, brochures and pamphlets.
Develop and implement training programs; analyze and research training needs and evaluate training models; develop appropriate training curricula, materials, and methods; establish training schedules, conduct training sessions, and evaluate and update curricula on an ongoing basis.
Provide technical guidance to service providers within or outside the State; explain policies, procedures and applicable regulations; provide consultation on problematic cases.
Participate in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of computerized systems to support program operations; research and evaluate the needs of program staff, initiate system change requests, and work with programming staff to test and implement system changes; prepare documentation for the computer system manual as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Under direction, incumbents perform the full range of duties described in the series concept in conjunction with planning, developing, and implementing comprehensive, complex social services or medical assistance programs. Incumbents interpret broad and sometimes ambiguous statutes and regulations that govern the assigned program area; independently make decisions regarding day-to-day program administration activities; apply recognized professional principles to develop solutions to problems; interpret and apply new and existing policies and procedures, and monitor and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations and personnel. Decisions of a controversial nature or which have a significant impact on the program are made in conjunction with, or referred to, supervisory and managerial personnel. In conjunction with higher-level program staff, managers and chiefs, incumbents participate in the development and initial implementation of new program components, short- and long-term plans for the assigned program area and develop new program policies that are reviewed and approved by management prior to implementation.
This class is distinguished from Social Services Program Specialist I by greater responsibility for comprehensive complex programs and/or grants, and independence in interpreting statutes and regulations. At this level, many positions are responsible for new program components or have regional responsibilities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.
Working knowledge of: social services and resources applicable to the assigned program; methods of administering social or medical assistance programs in local and regional offices to ensure compliance with federal regulations and State law and implement new policies and procedures.
General knowledge of: purpose and scope of assigned programs; appeal and hearing processes and protocols; automated information system logic and its application to the program assigned; data processing concepts including general data base, system security, data communication, and multiple platform strengths and weaknesses; computer technologies sufficient to develop automated training modules; develop routine database applications; principles and practices for the development and presentation of training classes.
Ability to: develop routine databases; evaluate program effectiveness and recommend innovative and improved procedures and practices to enhance program services; mediate between contending parties such as clients and staff, legal services and staff, contractors and the division; coordinate program activities with professionals from a variety of disciplines; interpret broad, ambiguous, and sometimes conflicting regulations and laws; make independent decisions that impact the quality of services provided; resolve complex issues such as eligibility for services; resolve compliance problems while maintaining level of services; identify policy issues which require management resolution; analyze and communicate system needs to programmers and validate the programming process; prepare and update documentation for the computer system manual; conduct needs assessments and interpret results including training needs; evaluate training models and develop appropriate training curriculum, materials and methods; develop statistical and analytical reports; interpret case and program budgets and financial statements; coordinate program staff and unit activities by determining the time, place, and sequence of actions; plan and conduct meetings; relay clear and concise findings to service providers and contract personnel including responding appropriately to opposition or disagreement.
Skill in: troubleshooting computer operating problems.
Recruiter Contact Information: Jenn Trachet -
jtrachet@admin.nv.gov
The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.
Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.
Social Services Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsSocial Services Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in social services specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a closely related field
- Active state licensure such as LSW or LCSW depending on the role level
- Experience conducting client assessments and developing individualized service plans
- Proficiency with case management software and electronic health record systems
- Knowledge of local community resources, eligibility criteria, and referral procedures
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for home visits or field assignments
Tips for Your Social Services Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to each population
Social services employers hire for specific client populations, so a resume that highlights your child welfare experience won't land a housing stability role without adjustment. Reframe your case management language to match the population named in the posting.
List your licensure and certifications upfront
Hiring managers screen for licensure before reading anything else. Put your LSW, LCSW, or any state-issued certification in the header or a dedicated credentials line, not buried in a qualifications section where it's easy to miss.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists social services specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Search by funding source, not just job title
Roles funded by Title IV, TANF, or HUD grants have distinct eligibility and documentation requirements. Filtering by agency type or program name often surfaces openings that generic title searches miss entirely.
Prepare a caseload management example for interviews
Interviewers almost always ask how you prioritize competing client needs under a heavy caseload. Arrive with a specific example that names the number of active cases, the competing demands, and the outcome you produced.
Negotiate start date around mandatory training
Many government and nonprofit employers require multi-week onboarding academies before you touch a caseload. Ask during the offer stage whether training is paid, when the next cohort starts, and whether a delayed start is possible if the timing conflicts.
Social Services Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most social services specialists?
BayCare Health System, Hamilton County, TN, and State of Colorado are hiring the most social services specialists right now, with openings concentrated in Florida, Oregon, and Colorado, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. County government agencies and large nonprofit networks tend to post the highest volumes year-round.
How many social services specialist jobs are remote?
About 15% of social services specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 2026, though field-based and home-visit roles remain predominantly in-person. Sub-areas with the most remote availability include benefits eligibility determination, care coordination for telehealth programs, and administrative case management roles that don't require direct client contact.
How do you become a social services specialist?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field, since most entry-level positions require it. Pursue internship or practicum hours during your degree to build direct client experience. Apply for state licensure once you meet the supervised-hours requirement in your state. Many specialists then pursue a master's in social work to qualify for clinical licensure and higher-level positions.
Can you get hired as a social services specialist with little or no experience?
Yes, entry-level social services specialist roles exist specifically for candidates who are new to the field, though you'll compete more effectively if you highlight internships, volunteer work at community organizations, or any experience working with vulnerable populations. County agencies and large nonprofits often hire recent graduates into structured cohort programs that include paid training, giving you a clear path in without prior paid experience.
What does the social services specialist interview process look like?
Most employers run a phone screen with a recruiter or HR contact, followed by a panel interview with a supervisor and one or two team members. Panel questions are typically scenario-based, asking how you'd handle a client in crisis, manage competing case priorities, or navigate a mandatory reporting situation. Some agencies add a written assessment or require you to complete a sample case note before the final offer stage.
Where can I find and apply to social services specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to social services specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your experience, licensure level, and preferred population, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background and goals.
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