Human Services Assistant II

Virginia Department of Social Services • King William, VA

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About The Position

King William County Department of Social Services seeks an energetic and versatile team player, committed to working towards the best outcomes possible for our families in the community to join our agency in a Family Services Specialist position.
King William County, Virginia offers the best of both worlds: the calm, scenic beauty of rural life with easy access to urban amenities. With a growing population of roughly 19,200 people, the area has a strong sense of community without the congestion of a big city. Nestled in the Middle Peninsula, King William lies just 30 miles northeast of Richmond, making for a manageable commute or day‐trip to the capital for work, culture, or dining. The landscape is lush and gently rolling, with rivers, farmland, and ample outdoor space — ideal if you appreciate nature, quiet roads, and neighbors who know your name. Housing is more affordable than many urban and suburban areas, the pace of life is peaceful, but you’re still close enough to schools, shops, healthcare, and the vibrant hubs of VA. If you’re looking for work where you can make a difference — and a place where balance matters — King William is a beautiful place to plant roots!
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. Empathy and Work-Life harmony is an agency core value.
At King William DSS, we are looking for professionals who want more than a job— a career where empathy, character, and dedication are just as important as education and experience. If you are ready to join a mission-driven team that values flexibility, professional growth, and making a difference every single day, we want to hear from you.
Title Description- 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.
• This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2- 1601.1 or §63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Virginia Child Abuse Central Registry.
• Applicants 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 will be required to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency, or work during unscheduled office closures.
• 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 to the 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, 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 Social Workers 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 Social Workers and school representatives, etc.
• Directs residents and trains them in completing chores, appropriate personal hygiene, and interpersonal skill development
• Provides emotional and parental support to each resident, including physical need training and support
• Ensures behavior modification plan for individual residents are carried through
• Assists the House Parent in the on-going management of treatment and behavioral modification plans
• Assists in meal preparation and daily house keeping
• Provides transportation of residents to and from required services
• Completes daily log entries and other communications required in the completion of each resident's treatment plan
• Assists with activities by participating with children in group games, enforcing safety rules, and intervening when children are likely to injure themselves or each other
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of program materials as requested
• Follows licensing and school procedures to safeguard the health and safety of the children in the program, which include but are not limited to hand washing, sanitary measures, playground safety rules, and rules regarding the use of supplies and equipment
• Reports any accidents per our policy and procedures when a child is injured
• Attends periodic staff meetings with other assistants
• Works directly with children as directed and provide child care in the locations and times designated

Benefits

• Flexible Work Hours – designed to promote work-life balance.
• Pay Incentives – available for strong performance and professional growth.
• Professional Development – ongoing training and advancement opportunities.
• Supportive Team Environment – join a department that values character, collaboration, and compassion

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED