Human Services Assistant III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

About The Position

The Adult Services / Adult Protective Services (APS) Case Aide provides essential administrative and program support to social work staff serving vulnerable adults. This position plays a critical role in ensuring efficient office operations, timely documentation, and responsive client services. The ideal candidate is organized, professional, detail-oriented, and able to multitask in a fast-paced human services environment.

Requirements

High school diploma
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services
Knowledge of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, spreadsheets, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology
Working knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; mathematics and research methods; and eligibility requirements for the programs assigned; and available community resources
Some knowledge of laws, regulations, requirements and policies of Local, State, and Federal social, assistance and housing programs
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 communicate effectively with program participants
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and prioritize own work schedule
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain working relationships with clients, professionals, co-workers, and the public sufficient to exchange ideas and coordinate activities
Demonstrated ability to accept direction and follow established procedures
Demonstrated ability to counsel others
Demonstrated ability to organize, and post date, from records, reports and other sources using the appropriate format
Demonstrated ability to exhibit solid interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution in working with clients, professionals and employees
Demonstrated ability to create forms, charts, and graphs
Demonstrated ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
Demonstrated ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs
Demonstrated ability to make screening decisions based upon specific criteria’s
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, manuals
Demonstrated ability to conduct effective interviews both face-to-face and by telephone
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and must be able to meet agency insurance policy standards. and/or pre-employment drug screen.
The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
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.
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 Central Registry.

Nice To Haves

Experience in administrative support, human services, or social services environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Strong organizational and multitasking skills
Ability to assess urgency and respond appropriately in sensitive situations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Valid driver’s license and ability to transport clients
Ability to work effectively with vulnerable populations

Responsibilities

Answer and direct incoming phone calls in a courteous and professional manner
Determine the level of need or urgency of calls and appropriately route emergencies
Take accurate messages and relay information promptly to appropriate staff
Document contacts, case activities, and service information in agency systems
Assist with preparation and tracking of yearly guardianship paperwork
Maintain organized filing systems (electronic and paper records)
Provide general clerical and administrative support to Adult Services staff
Utilize Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) for correspondence, reports, and tracking
Transport clients to appointments or required services as needed
Support caseworkers with scheduling, correspondence, and follow-up tasks
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times