Family Services Specialist 1 - Underfill

State of Nevada•Hawthorne, NV

17h

About The Position

The Division of Social Services is filling vacancies for a Family Services Specialist 1, underfilling a Family Services Specialist 2, in Hawthorne, Nevada. This is an entry-level position in a series that may progress to the journey level after satisfactory completion of the training period, meeting minimum qualifications, and receiving the appointing authority’s recommendation. Family Services Specialists interview applicants and recipients of public assistance, explain eligibility requirements, and gather information to determine applicable programs. They assist clients with applications, research and verify client information through contacts such as landlords, employers, utility companies, and creditors, and assess citizenship, residency, household composition, earnings, and anticipated household expenses. They compute income, evaluate factors affecting benefits, and make eligibility determinations within program timeframes and regulations. The Division of Social Services uses intermittent positions to supplement full-time staff. The posting states that intermittent positions have regular full-time schedules but different layoff rights from permanent positions, and that they may move to permanent positions based on attrition and seniority. Applicants must type at least 35 words per minute accurately. At the interview, they must provide a typing certificate issued within the preceding 12 months verifying a net speed of at least 35 words per minute on a five-minute test. Certificates may be obtained through a staffing agency or a Nevada Job Connect office; online typing tests are not accepted. Under NRS 293.5045, a voter registration agency may not knowingly employ a person whose duties include voter registration if that person has been convicted of a felony involving theft or fraud. The posting notes that most positions in this series fall under this statute.

Requirements

One or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties.
Graduation from high school or equivalent education.
Type accurately at a minimum of 35 words per minute and provide an eligible typing certificate at the interview: issued within the previous 12 months and documenting a net speed of at least 35 words per minute on a five-minute test. Online typing tests are not accepted.
Knowledge of administrative office functions and operations, recordkeeping, interviewing practices, social service programs and their purpose, and privacy and confidentiality rights.
Skill in mathematical computations and verbal and written interpersonal communication.
Ability to use and operate office and job-related equipment and software.
Ability to read and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; learn federal, state, and local resources serving applicants; maintain confidentiality of client records; receive inquiries and provide information; verify information from varied sources; and compile information and prepare reports.
Ability to store, record, and retrieve information; establish and maintain accurate records; and interact effectively with people from varied social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Assist clients in completing required applications, declarations, and forms; review information for accuracy and consistency and confer with others.
Interview clients, explain conditions, and elicit information.
Interview clients to assess vocational potential and available employment options.
Research, verify, and evaluate information to establish eligibility.
Compute income and evaluate other factors that affect benefit levels.
Identify existing job skills, work experience, and immediate employment barriers.
Explain program objectives, requirements, and services, and respond to client questions.
Develop a personal responsibility plan and design an individualized job training plan.
Coordinate services through community providers and other agency personnel.
Perform related duties as assigned.