Human Service Worker II

Fairfax County•Fairfax (Ej27), VA

About The Position

Fairfax County’s Division of Public Assistance & Employment Services (PAES) seeks a compassionate and driven Human Service Worker II to help individuals and families access public assistance programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF. The role provides a first point of contact for clients, assesses medical and financial needs, conducts interviews, helps gather application information, explains program requirements, and connects clients with additional services. The position manages a high caseload in a fast-paced environment and uses state and local information systems to document and verify information and authorize benefits. The work supports clients from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and contributes to the well-being of individuals, children, and families. Telework is eligible after the first 30 days of employment. The position may be underfilled at the Human Service Worker I level. Underfill appointees may be promoted non-competitively to Human Service Worker II after meeting the applicable requirements and successfully completing the underfill agreement or required training. The minimum qualification for Human Service Worker II is a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university plus one year of professional experience in human services or a related field. For certain Public Assistance Program assignments, that year must specifically be in public assistance programs; otherwise, candidates may be hired at the Human Service Worker I level and may become eligible for promotion after one year of training. The position may require certifications depending on assignment. Appointment requires satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and Child Protective Services Registry check. Selection may include a panel interview and practical exercise. The stated annual salary range is $54,330.43–$90,550.51.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, plus one year of professional experience in human services or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
For applicable Public Assistance Program positions, one year of professional human services or related experience specifically in public assistance programs is required for appointment at the Human Service Worker II level.
Knowledge of complex federal, state, and local laws governing public assistance and welfare reform.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex program policies and procedures.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to make mathematical computations.
Ability to organize and manage workload, meet deadlines, and handle multiple systems, high-volume client contact, high caseloads, and competing priorities.
Ability to use automated technology to establish and maintain case records.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, and other human service providers.
Ability to work effectively with people under stress and from varied socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to maintain professional ethics and confidentiality of client information.
Ability to provide excellent customer service, work in a team environment, and remain flexible.
Ability to assess client needs through collection and analysis of employment history and personal, family, and cultural information.
Satisfactorily complete a criminal background check and a Child Protective Services Registry check.
Ability to input, access, and retrieve information using a computer, and perform repetitive hand, arm, wrist, and shoulder movements; duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Underfill candidates must meet the minimum qualifications for Human Service Worker II within two years of the announcement closing date of May 30, 2025.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
One year of current or recent experience determining eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, or other public assistance programs in Virginia.
Knowledge of laws governing Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, General Relief, and/or Refugee Cash Assistance and ability to apply them correctly.
Experience using Virginia state systems, including VaCMS, MMIS, and SPIDeR.
Clear and concise oral and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage large workloads and meet stringent deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, and willingness to learn new applications and systems.
Ability to be flexible, multitask, prioritize, and manage concurrent activities in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Ability to take initiative, work independently, and contribute as a team player.
Past or present work experience as a Human Service Worker for Fairfax County.
Bilingual ability in English and another language is encouraged.

Responsibilities

Serve as a first point of contact for individuals and families seeking public assistance.
Conduct in-depth interviews to determine and reassess eligibility for financial assistance and publicly supported medical services.
Assess client needs and make referrals to appropriate services.
Help clients gather information required to establish eligibility.
Apply, explain, and interpret federal, state, and local public assistance policies and procedures.
Compile and maintain client data and documents, and prepare written narratives to support eligibility determinations when needed.
Process applications in a timely manner to meet client needs and program requirements.
Authorize public assistance benefits and services based on client circumstances and program requirements.
Use automated technology to document, obtain, and verify information, generate reports, and authorize benefits and services.
Manage a complex, high-volume caseload and competing deadlines.