| Location | Bakersfield, CA |
| Salary | $4,362.71–$5,480.48 |
Program Specialist I/II - Bilingual - Department Promotional - Department of Child Support Services
Salary
$4,362.71 - $5,480.48 Monthly
Location
3701 N. Sillect Ave., Bakersfield, CA
Job Type
Full time
Job Number
10191
Department
DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Opening Date
11/04/2026
Closing Date
11/18/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Information
This is a Department Promotional Examination and is open only to current eligible employees of the
Department of Child Support Services.
Salary:
Level I: $2,013.56 - $2,406.39, paid Biweekly
Level II: $2,116.53 - $2,529.45, paid Biweekly
EXAMINATION SCHEDULE:
Examinations:
Written Exam (Weight 50%): Will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicants knowledge of basic socioeconomic principles; individual and group behavior principles; community resources; public relations principles; interviewing techniques; applicable local, state, and federal guidelines, regulations, laws, and programs; case management principles.
Oral Exam (Weight 50%): Will be conducted for the purpose of appraising training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the position.
The Human Resources Division may limit the number advancing to the oral exam to approximately the top 24 based upon the final earned results of the written test.
If the number of applicants successful on the written exam is insufficient to merit an oral exam, the written exam shall be weighted at 100%.
Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.
Examination components for promotional testing will be administered during the scheduled date(s)/time(s)/location(s) without exception.
Applicants who wish to be considered for bilingual employment must submit a bilingual certificate issued by the Kern County Human Resources Division or its authorized agent, Bakersfield College. Applicants must submit a bilingual (English/Spanish) certificate before the final filing deadline.
Access the following website for information about where to obtain a qualifying certificate: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/academics/career-education/bilingual-testing.html. Employees who occupy positions designated as bilingual are paid dependent upon the required level of proficiency.
Minimum Qualifications / Employment Standards:
Level I: High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent and two (2) years of education, training and/or experience sufficient to obtain the knowledge and skill to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Level II: High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent, and three (3) years of education, training and/or experience sufficient to obtain the knowledge and skill to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Both Levels: Qualifying related work experience may include, verifying documents to determine eligibility for benefits, social services and/or employment; conducting needs assessments; making referrals for services; interviewing clients, and providing program information to the public.
Volunteer experience may be qualifying if confirmed in writing from a recognized organization.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Some positions may require possession of a valid California Drivers License.
Please ensure applicable materials are attached to your application. If you are unable to attach application materials to your application, you may deliver a copy to the Human Resources Division at 1115 Truxtun Ave. First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or email hr@kerncounty.com.
Full Job Descriptions for: Program Specialist I
Full Job Description for: Program Specialist II
About Kern County
Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.
To learn more about Kern County, click here or follow us:
Growth Mindset
We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.
Additional Information
Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.
A background check may be conducted for this classification.
Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.
This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made with the Kern County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services department. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.
For more information regarding Kern Countys recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.
Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Kern County Employee Benefits
Health Insurance: (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP).
Retirement Program: Kern County Employees Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401 (a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement.
Deferred Compensation: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire.
Social Security Administration:
Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare as follows:
Employee Assistance Program: EAP is available to help you take control of your life!
Voluntary Benefits: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax bases: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account.
Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)
01
I have successfully completed my initial 6 or 12 month probationary period as an employee of Kern County (temporary and extra help time is not qualifying). A "no" response is disqualifying - refer to Civil Service Rule 903.00.
02
I had an overall rating of Standard or better on my last performance appraisal. A "no" response is disqualifying - refer to Civil Service Rule 903.00.
03
Have you for any reason separated from County employment (layoff, voluntary or involuntary resignation) and gained re-employment within the last six months? A "yes" response is disqualifying - refer to Civil Service Rule 903.00 and County Ordinance 3.08.140 A & B.
04
I was appointed to my present classification and level on (Date):
05
I understand that this is a competitive examination. I agree that I will not discuss the content or nature of any component for this examination, in general or specific terms, with anyone until the examination process is completed for all candidates.
06
I understand the unauthorized disclosure of examination material is a violation of Civil Service Rules and can result in my disqualification, by the Civil Service Commission, from this examination and future examinations with the County of Kern.
07
I have attached a copy of my bilingual certificate (English/Spanish) issued by the Kern County Human Resources Division or its authorized agent, Bakersfield College.
Required Question
Employer Kern County
Address 1115 Truxtun Avenue First Floor
Bakersfield, California, 93301
Phone (661) 868-3480
Website http://www.kerncounty.com/hr