Economic Assistance Benefits Specialist

the South Dakota State Government•Rapid City, SD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Social Services. At the Department of Social Services (DSS), family is everything. It's the foundation of what we do every day through provision of services to strengthen and support the citizens of South Dakota. Our work is driven with our vision to build Strong Families, South Dakota's Foundation and Our Future. We believe families have the right to be safe and secure. We also believe in respecting individual and cultural differences by treating people with dignity, fairness, and respect. And we believe in collaborative communications, teamwork, partnerships and trust for essential family services. As a Department of Social Services employee, you will have a chance to experience: Creativity - We are always looking for innovative ideas to help us achieve improved outcomes. Making a difference - You will have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of fellow South Dakotans. Professional development - We provide valuable trainings to ensure staff is well-trained, competent, accountable and empowered and will assist you in reaching your career goals. Teamwork - In a team-oriented approach, you will have the ability to work cooperatively with others in a friendly work environment to achieve shared goals. We are currently looking to hire an individual who is excited to serve the public. This position assesses and analyzes current life circumstances and financial capabilities to provide assistance and services to low income individuals and their families by interviewing, counseling, and identifying available resources; obtaining records, verifying collateral information and determining eligibility for multiple social service programs; responding to public inquiries regarding social services and benefits; and interpreting rules, regulations, and policies to ensure appropriate benefits and services are provided in an effective and expedient manner to assist in the individual's basic self-sufficiency.

Requirements

A highly motivated and experienced person with a passion for serving the public and displays a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals
A compassionate individual who listens attentively to others and clearly conveys information and ideas
A dependable and organized individual who effectively plans and organizes work activities
A person who is dedicated and who will represent the Department of Social Service with integrity and enthusiasm
An individual who works cooperatively with others and promotes a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals
Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently
Ability to successfully plan and organize work activities, adjust to multiple demands, and prioritize tasks to complete assignments and meet schedules and deadlines
Ability to demonstrate compassion, respect, courtesy and tact when interacting with others
Ability to display confidence and innovation despite adversity
Ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with stakeholders
Ability to understand concepts related to client confidentiality
Ability to comprehend, interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws and regulations
Ability to prepare clear and concise documentation, reports and correspondence that reflect relevant facts
Ability to assume initiative with minimal supervision
Strong work ethic
Comprehension of critical thinking and problem-solving techniques
Resume attached
Must apply online

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree in social science, behavioral science, or other human service-related fields, business administration, public administration, education, or public health
Experience in health care administration, finance, accounting, or insurance
Possess a National Career Readiness Certificate

Responsibilities

Assesses and analyzes current life circumstances and financial capabilities to provide assistance and services to low income individuals and their families by interviewing, counseling, and identifying available resources
Obtains records, verifies collateral information and determines eligibility for multiple social service programs
Responds to public inquiries regarding social services and benefits
Interprets rules, regulations, and policies to ensure appropriate benefits and services are provided in an effective and expedient manner to assist in the individual's basic self-sufficiency