Human service assistant

The Department of Transitional Assistance is seeking service-focused individuals for the position of Human Service Assistant (HSA). Our ideal candidate will provide written and/or oral interpretation and translation services to assist clients and complete administrative tasks in a well-organized, efficient manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide interpretation and translation services by gathering information, providing instruction, and facilitating clear and accurate communication.
• Convey information and explain actions to clients with varying expectations, needs, cultures, and languages.
• Assist applicants and clients in completing and/or obtaining necessary verifications for eligibility determination.
• Facilitate customer service delivery by providing services to clients, such as responding to inquiries and explaining basic department procedures.
• Inform and direct clients in the lobbies, waiting rooms, and self-service stations.
• Promote customer service delivery through document processing and management.
• Convey information and explain actions to clients with varying expectations, needs, cultures, and languages.
• Utilize Department systems and equipment and provide ongoing assistance and support to Social Workers.
• Stay current and up to date with self-service options, including but not limited to kiosks, scanning, DTA Connect, and Mobile apps.
• Exchange information with internal and external contacts per existing department policies.
• Provide administrative support within the local office as assigned by the supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with Departmental Policy.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent reading comprehension skills.
• Excellent listening skills, including the ability to ask questions to enhance communication and understanding.
• Strong interpersonal skills that demonstrate the ability to work with diverse populations in multiple roles.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to understand and apply policies and regulations.
• Ability to be flexible in order to respond to changing requirements and priorities.
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities and meet various deadlines through strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to read, write and converse with clients, colleagues and external contacts in English and a second language.
• Two or more years' work experience, with written and oral translation duties, in social work or social casework, claims adjudication, job placement, recruitment, employment counseling, vocational or rehabilitation counseling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of specific local office procedures and requirements.
• Knowledge of continuing changes in laws, rules, regulations, programs, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing agency operations and assigned unit activities as they apply to this position.
• Knowledge of ongoing modifications in the types and uses of agency forms.
• High-level personal computer skills and more in-depth knowledge of various software options.

NOTE: Selected candidates must complete a language proficiency examination which will test reading comprehension, conversational, and writing skills in English and the specified second language.

TO APPLY:

Please upload both the Resume and Cover Letter for this position. First consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 14 days.

About The Department of Transitional Assistance:

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every seven people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment support.

Learn more about our services and programs visit:

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.


MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None.


REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: None.


LICENSES: Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title : Human Service Assistant A/B

Primary Location : United States-Massachusetts-Salem-45 Congress Street

Job : Community and Social Services

Agency : Department of Transitional Assistance

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Day

Job Posting : Oct 27, 2025, 10:36:51 AM

Number of Openings : 1

Salary : 57,417.62 - 78,238.94 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Robert Arnau/[email protected] - 8572748824

Bargaining Unit : 08-SEIU - Local 509 - Social/Rehabilitation

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : No