Human Services Assistant II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Washington, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Rappahannock County Department of Social Services has an opportunity for the person who wants to be part of positive change in families and communities! We are looking for a Human Services Assistant II to be part of our energetic and committed team as we strive for the best outcomes possible for youth and families. Rappahannock County is a rural county in the northern region of Virginia with a population of approximately 7,400. The agency office is in the town of Washington, Virginia, approximately 120 miles northwest of Richmond and 65 miles southwest of Washington, DC. The town is surrounded by the beautiful Blueridge Mountains and rolling farmlands. As an agency, we believe in the power of the team, exercising creativity and commitment in meeting the needs of our clients and community, and growing our agency and ourselves. Work-Life harmony is an agency core value. The county also offers an excellent benefit package that includes participation in the Virginia Retirement System, employer paid life and disability insurance, paid holidays, annual leave and sick leave, and affordable options for medical, dental and vision insurance. This is an on-site position with some work conducted in the field. Primary areas of responsibilities will be within family services programs. Human Services Assistant II represents the full performance level in the occupational group for Human Services Assistants. Employees provide a variety of services while working in one or more program areas performing responsible administrative and technical work in support of agency clients. Human Services Assistant II is distinguished from Human Services Assistant III by the latter’s serving as a screener and the initial point of contact for the clients seeking benefits and/or services.

Requirements

Working knowledge of agency’s computer systems and software; principles and processes for providing customer and personal services; human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; and mathematics.
Some knowledge of regulations, policies, and procedures of the assigned program area as related to assisting the clients; may require some knowledge of counseling terminology and practices.
Skill in operating a variety of automated office equipment to include calculator, fax/copier; and the use of computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and file maintenance programs.
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents such as State and local policies and procedure manuals; prepare special reports and correspondence; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; perform calculations; solve practical problems; interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form; work well with others and resolve conflicts with employees, clients and citizens; effectively apply acquired knowledge of human behavior and social functioning; recognize basic needs of clients; exercise good judgment, tact and resourcefulness in meeting problems and situations; instruct clients in a variety of direct-care techniques; maintain confidential records and materials; plan, organize, and prioritize daily tasks; use correct spelling and basic grammar; and interview and elicit needed information from clients.
High school diploma supplemented with post-secondary coursework in subjects such as social work, human services, gerontology, or one of the social or behavioral sciences, business or related field, and relevant work experience in public administrative support work OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Applicants will undergo a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Virginia Child Abuse Central Registry and may be subject to additional background checks including a DMV/driving record check, pre-employment drug screening, local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment}, credit checks (relevant to employment), and other checks as determined necessary and appropriate to the position to be filled.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
Employee must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency, or work during unscheduled office closures if needed.
Employee must be able to telework if necessary.

Responsibilities

Operates various computer systems to conduct searches for initial applications, renewals and re-certification and/or to update information
Provides information and assists clients with completing applications, etc.
Answers incoming calls and responds to inquiries
Provides case management support
Prepares and mails correspondence
Provides information and referrals and verifies information as required for other community resources
Provides written and/or oral documentation regarding client contacts, verification letters, and other situations
Sets up case files, typing or labeling case files, and completing forms
Assists in the preparation of periodic, special and other reports
Follows up with referrals to ancillary agencies
Provides services for identified client needs (i.e. identifies benefit needs and makes appropriate referrals)
Documents client contact in appropriate record
Completes various forms
Updates information in various computer systems
Provides direct administrative support to Family Services Specialists such as transcription, typing, pulling files, ordering supplies, and creating forms
Researches and purges case records
Prepares and maintains manual and computer schedules/alerts
Provides training to staff on inputting data into social work systems
Conducts adoption searches via court records, library, agency files, Internet, city directory, and makes contact if a match is found
Transports family members and program participants to appointments
Mentors and supports the biological parents of foster care children as well as the children and foster families
Testifies in court when subpoenaed
Acts as a liaison between Family Services Specialists and school representatives, etc