What are the responsibilities and job description for the Intake Specialist - Homeless Services position at San Bernardino County?
The Office of Homeless Services invites qualified professionals to apply for the position of Intake Specialist. Under general supervision, the Intake Specialist performs client intake and eligibility determination services for homeless services programs. The position is responsible for engaging individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, particularly those with disabling conditions, conducting comprehensive assessments, verifying documentation, determining eligibility, entering client data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and coordinating referrals to housing, legal advocacy, and supportive services. Intake Specialists play a key role in tracking client progress, maintaining communication with partnering agencies, and ensuring timely advancement through service phases, including housing stabilization and disability benefit advocacy.
Duties may include but are not limited to:
Duties may include but are not limited to:
- Conduct comprehensive client intakes for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, particularly those with disabling health or behavioral health conditions.
- Explain homeless services programs, including eligibility criteria, service phases (housing assistance, case management, and disability advocacy), client expectations, and the importance of active participation.
- Gather and verify eligibility documentation such as identification, disability status, income verification, and housing history to support prompt program enrollment.
- Input accurate and timely client data into HMIS and other internal tracking systems in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Administer assessment tools (such as VI-SPDAT or other approved tools) to determine client acuity, vulnerability, and referral prioritization.
- Coordinate referrals and handoffs to service components including housing navigation, legal advocacy partners, medical or behavioral health providers, and case managers.
- Maintain a client waitlist and track placement status, ensuring high-risk clients are engaged regularly and moved through the program efficiently.
- Serve as the central coordination point for communication among multidisciplinary teams supporting each client (e.g., legal advocates, housing providers, behavioral health, and outreach teams).
- Monitor progress of clients through each service phase, maintaining detailed records of services received, pending documentation, and benefit application status.
- Follow up with clients and partners to ensure completion of action items such as medical records retrieval, SSA appointments, housing readiness tasks, and housing lease-up processes.
- Participate in case conferencing meetings, assist in updating the By-Name List (BNL), and advocate for appropriate housing interventions or supportive services.
- Ensure that all activities and data collection comply with confidentiality standards (e.g., HIPAA), and that documentation is complete, accurate, and audit ready.
- Support data quality assurance efforts, outcome reporting, and performance tracking in alignment with contract requirements and funding metrics.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support program success, service delivery continuity, and client housing outcomes.
For more detailed information, refer to the Intake Specialist job description.
*Official Job Title: Intake Specialist
This excellent opportunity for career growth also offers a lucrative compensation and benefits package!
To review job-specific benefits, refer to:- Benefits by Occupational Unit (BbOU) Summary
- Employee Benefits
- County Memoranda of Understanding (MOU)
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Working Conditions: Work is performed in the office, field, shelter, or other outreach settings. Incumbents must be willing and able to visit clients in the field and other settings (encampments, street corners, shelters, etc.) to perform complete needs assessments and be able to visually observe injuries and the client's environment as mandated by the State.
Travel: Travel throughout the County is required. A valid California Class C Driver License is required to carry out the essential job-related functions of this position (mileage reimbursement is available at current IRS rates). A clean driving record and proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained.
Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must pass a background investigation, which includes fingerprinting, credit check, and/or medical exam, which may include drug and/or TB testing.
Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent U.S. resident.
Experience: Twelve (12) months of full-time equivalent experience answering phone calls, computer usage, data entry, processing reports, responding to public inquires, and providing information/referrals in a social/human services setting. Experience must include homeless outreach and/or frequent contact with individuals experiencing or are at-risk of homelessness.
Application Procedure:
Complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by 5:00PM, Friday, April 24, 2026.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.
If you require technical assistance, please click on the following link to review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application.
EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.
ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.
ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.
Veterans’ Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) who are not current County employees may be awarded additional Veterans’ Preference points. Please review the Veteran's Preference Policy for information and instructions to request Veteran's Preference points.
Review the County Employment Process for More Important Applicant Information.
Salary : $44,949 - $61,693