Human Services Assistant II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Petersburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role provides essential support within Human Services, focusing on administrative tasks and direct client assistance across various programs, including Benefit Programs and Child Protective Services/Social Work Programs. The position involves operating computer systems, assisting clients with applications and information, preparing correspondence, maintaining case files, and supporting social workers with administrative duties. Additionally, it may involve conducting adoption searches, transporting clients, mentoring families, and testifying in court.

Requirements

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 clients.
May require some knowledge of counseling terminology and practices.
Skill in operating a variety of automated office equipment (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.
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.
Willingness to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Responsibilities

Operates various computer systems for initial applications, renewals, re-certification, and updating client 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 for community resources.
Documents client contacts, verification letters, and other situations.
Sets up case files, types/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, including identifying benefit needs and making appropriate referrals.
Documents client contacts in appropriate records.
Completes various forms and 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 to 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 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.