Human Services Assistant III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Fork Union, VA

6d•$29,334 - $40,000•Onsite

About The Position

Fluvanna County Department of Social Services is seeking a dedicated Human Services Assistant III who is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of adults, families and children. The Human Services Assistant III is responsible for screening benefits applications and supporting the benefit programs unit in determining eligibility for benefits programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF and other programs. Human Services Assistant III represents the specialist level in the occupational group for Human Services Assistants. Employees serve as the initial point of contact for clients seeking benefits and/or services and screens clients for benefits and services. Human Services Assistant III is distinguished from Human Services Assistant II by serving as a screener and the initial point of contact for the clients seeking benefits and/or services.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services (including customer needs assessment, meeting of quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction)
Considerable knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
Considerable 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
Working knowledge of eligibility requirements for the programs assigned
Working knowledge of 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
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

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience with a human services agency
Experience screening applications for benefit programs
Knowledge of benefit programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, TANF and/or other programs

Responsibilities

Screens clients for benefits and services
Interviews clients and explains programs, services, policies and procedures
Assists clients with applications
Evaluates and approves agency providers
Researches information
Serves as initial point of contact for applicants
Interviews applicants for benefits and/or service programs
Provides information regarding various programs and benefits, general eligibility requirements, policies and procedures
Assists clients with completing applications and performs initial screening of applications
Provides information to clients seeking services and directly makes referrals for services
Researches a variety of databases to obtain and/or verify information needed to process applications
Maintains logs of client documentation received
Schedules and coordinates appointments for clients to meet with benefit, employment or services staff
Contacts clients for requested/needed information and responds to routine questions in person, e-mail or by telephone
Analyzes needs and coordinates resources that will support families/clients and generates payment for services when appropriate
Attends and testifies at administrative hearings
Prepares periodic, special and other reports for statistics
Provides assistance in the orientation/training of new staff
Helps participant in writing resumes; follows up on referrals to ancillary agencies, in person and in writing
Debriefs participants when "fired" from Work Net classes
Locates resources for clients needing appropriate interview clothing and helps clients in making appropriate clothing choices
Takes participants on educational/career exploration field trips