DSS Human Services Specialist III

Orange County Government • Department of Social Services- Hillsborough Commons, NC

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Orange County Department of Social Services has openings for a DSS Human Services Specialist III in the Employment Services Unit. The work involves the primary responsibility for the delivery of employment and public assistance service programs and determining client eligibility for public assistance benefits by using intake and processing systems, utilizing NC FAST or other automated systems and involves in depth interviewing, frequently under stressful conditions. An employee in this class has responsibility of providing counseling, case management, support, and preventive services to at-risk individuals, including families with children and teens; and homeless individuals and making appropriate referrals to individuals and agencies; processing and maintaining a variety of forms and records and arranging for the provision of services in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations. This class of positions differs from Human Services Specialist II in the higher level and complexity of assignments. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Unit Supervisor with some leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work and in making decisions regarding client needs and requests. Supervision may be a responsibility of this class depending on the assignment. Does related work as required. Hiring range is based on the Orange County Social Services Step Plan. The Step Plan is based on years of DSS Human Services Specialist III experience. Full credit is given for years of experience performing the same job functions. Partial credit is given for years of experience performing related job functions. The top half of the scale is reserved for career employees with senior level experience in the same role. SBI background check with fingerprinting is required.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree AND three (3) years of work experience in determining human service eligibility and participatory in the delivery of public assistance programs.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated is required.
• Successful clearance of an SBI background check with fingerprinting.
• Satisfactory verification of eligibility for employment.
• Successful completion of required pre-employment testing and/or screening, including drug testing when required.
• Submission and approval of all new hire documentation and completion of new hire paperwork.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in human services or social work is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Primary responsibility for the delivery of employment and public assistance service programs.
• Determining client eligibility for public assistance benefits by using intake and processing systems, utilizing NC FAST or other automated systems.
• In-depth interviewing, frequently under stressful conditions.
• Providing counseling, case management, support, and preventive services to at-risk individuals, including families with children and teens; and homeless individuals.
• Making appropriate referrals to individuals and agencies.
• Processing and maintaining a variety of forms and records.
• Arranging for the provision of services in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
• Serving in shelters in time of natural and man-made disasters including overnight and weekends.
• Assisting with other DSS-related functions as determined by the Social Services Director or designee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior