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. Employees serve as the initial point of contact for clients seeking benefits or services and screen clients for eligibility. The role differs from Human Services Assistant II by serving as a screener and initial point of contact for clients seeking benefits and/or services. The position interviews clients and applicants, explains programs and procedures, assists with applications, conducts initial application screening, researches databases to obtain or verify information, and makes referrals. It also maintains documentation logs, coordinates appointments, responds to routine questions, and analyzes client needs to coordinate resources and generate payments for services when appropriate. In the Benefit Programs assignment, the position may attend and testify at administrative hearings, prepare reports and statistics, and help orient or train new staff.

Requirements

High school diploma supplemented with post-secondary coursework in social work, human services, gerontology, social or behavioral sciences, business, or a related field, and relevant work experience in public administrative support work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Considerable knowledge of customer and personal service principles and processes, 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; establish working relationships and coordinate activities; accept direction and follow procedures; counsel others; organize and post data from records and reports; use interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills; create forms, charts, and graphs; perform arithmetic and compute rates, ratios, and percentages; interpret bar graphs; make screening decisions using specified criteria; read and interpret documents; and conduct effective in-person and telephone interviews.

Responsibilities

Screen clients for benefits and services.
Interview clients and applicants and explain programs, services, policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
Assist clients with completing applications and conduct initial screening of applications.
Provide information to clients seeking services and make direct referrals for services.
Research databases to obtain or verify information needed to process applications.
Evaluate and approve agency providers.
Maintain logs of client documentation received.
Schedule and coordinate appointments for clients to meet with benefit, employment, or services staff.
Contact clients for requested or needed information and respond to routine questions in person, by email, or by telephone.
Analyze client needs and coordinate resources that support families or clients; generate payments for services when appropriate.
Attend and testify at administrative hearings for Benefit Programs.
Prepare periodic, special, and other statistical reports for Benefit Programs.
Assist with orientation and training of new staff for Benefit Programs.