Human Services Assistant III - Benefits

Virginia Department of Social Services•Hopewell, VA

About The Position

Human Services Assistant III is the specialist level in the Human Services Assistant occupational group. The role serves as an initial point of contact for clients seeking benefits and/or services, screens clients for eligibility and needs, and helps connect them with programs and resources. It is distinguished from Human Services Assistant II by its screening function and initial-contact responsibility. The position interviews clients and applicants, explains programs and eligibility requirements, assists with applications, researches and verifies information, maintains documentation logs, coordinates appointments, responds to routine inquiries, and makes service referrals. It also assesses needs, coordinates resources for families and clients, and may generate payments for services when appropriate. In the Benefit Programs assignment, the role may attend and testify at administrative hearings, prepare statistical and other reports, and assist with the orientation and training of new staff.

Requirements

High school diploma supplemented by post-secondary coursework in social work, human services, gerontology, a social or behavioral science, business, or a related field, plus relevant public administrative support work experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Considerable knowledge of customer and personal service principles, English language structure and usage, and administrative and clerical procedures and systems.
Working knowledge of human behavior and performance, individual differences, learning and motivation, mathematics and research methods, assigned-program eligibility requirements, and available community resources.
Some knowledge of laws, regulations, requirements, and policies governing Local, State, and Federal social assistance and housing programs.
Skill operating automated office equipment, including a calculator and fax/copier, and using computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, and file-maintenance programs.
Ability to communicate effectively with program participants; plan, organize, and prioritize work; and establish working relationships with clients, professionals, co-workers, and the public.
Ability to accept direction, follow established procedures, counsel others, and demonstrate interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to organize and post data from records, reports, and other sources using the appropriate format; create forms, charts, and graphs; and perform basic arithmetic and calculate rates, ratios, and percentages.
Ability to make screening decisions based on specified criteria, read and interpret documents such as safety rules and manuals, and conduct effective in-person and telephone interviews.

Responsibilities

Screen clients for benefits and services.
Interview clients and applicants, explain programs, services, policies, procedures, and general eligibility requirements.
Assist clients with completing applications and conduct initial application screening.
Evaluate and approve agency providers.
Research databases and other sources to obtain or verify information needed to process applications.
Serve as the initial point of contact for applicants and provide information to clients seeking services.
Make direct referrals for services.
Maintain logs of client documentation received.
Schedule and coordinate appointments for clients to meet with benefits, employment, or services staff.
Contact clients to request needed information and respond to routine questions in person, by email, or by telephone.
Analyze client and family needs, coordinate resources, and generate payments for services when appropriate.
For Benefit Programs assignments, attend and testify at administrative hearings.
Prepare periodic, special, and other statistical reports.
Assist with the orientation and training of new staff.