Human Services Assistant II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Petersburg, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This role provides essential support within Human Services, focusing on assisting clients with various benefit programs and social work services. The Human Services Assistant II operates computer systems for application processing, provides direct client assistance, manages case files, prepares correspondence, and offers referrals to community resources. The position also involves supporting Social Workers with administrative tasks, maintaining records, and potentially conducting adoption searches. Additionally, the role may require transporting clients, mentoring families, and testifying in court. A key aspect of the job is maintaining confidential records and prioritizing tasks effectively.

Requirements

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.
Working knowledge of agency’s computer systems and software.
Working knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
Working knowledge of human behavior and performance.
Working knowledge of 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.
Skill in 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.
Demonstrated ability to prepare special reports and correspondence.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to perform calculations.
Demonstrated ability to solve practical problems.
Demonstrated ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Demonstrated ability to work well with others and resolve conflicts with employees, clients, and citizens.
Demonstrated ability to effectively apply acquired knowledge of human behavior and social functioning.
Demonstrated ability to recognize basic needs of clients.
Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and resourcefulness in meeting problems and situations.
Demonstrated ability to instruct clients in a variety of direct care techniques.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential records and materials.
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily tasks.
Demonstrated ability to use correct spelling and basic grammar.
Demonstrated ability to interview and elicit needed information from clients.

Responsibilities

Operates various computer systems to conduct searches for initial applications, renewals, and re-certification, and to update information.
Provides information and assists clients with completing applications.
Answers incoming calls and responds to inquiries.
Provides case management support for Human Services Specialist staff.
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, types or labels case files, and completes forms.
Assists in the preparation of periodic, special, and other reports.
Follows up with referrals to ancillary agencies.
Provides services for identified client needs, such as identifying benefit needs and making appropriate referrals.
Documents client contact in appropriate records.
Completes various forms.
Updates information in various computer systems.
Provides direct administrative support to Social Workers, including transcription, typing, pulling files, ordering supplies, and creating forms.
Researches and purges case records.
Prepares and maintains manual and computer schedules/alerts.
Provides training for staff inputting data into social work systems.
Conducts adoption searches via court records, library, agency files, Internet, and 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 Social Workers and school representatives, etc.