Human Services Assistant III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Buckingham, VA

1d•$28,480

About The Position

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.

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
Skills in operating a variety of automated office equipment to include calculator, fax/copier
Skills 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 postdate, 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
All applicants are subject to a DMV driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, and CPS and criminal history search. The investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification.
Employee must be willing to work in community emergency response capacity in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Nice To Haves

Prior knowledge of social services is desired
Experience in a Local Department of Social Services
Experience in processing public assistance

Responsibilities

Screens clients for benefits including Energy Assistance
Registers and assigns applications
Assists clients with applications
Serves as initial point of contact for applicants
Provides information regarding various programs and benefits, general eligibility requirements, policies and procedures
Assists clients with completing applications and performs initial screening of applications
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 benefits
Back up the Front Office as well as Distribute EBT when needed
Helps participant in writing resumes
Follows up on referrals to ancillary agencies, in person and in writing
Locates resources for clients needing appropriate interview clothing and helps clients in making appropriate clothing choices