Human Services Assistant III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Rocky Mount, VA

1d•$28,480 - $52,093

About The Position

Human Services Assistant III is an administrative position supporting assigned units or the agency as requested by the Director. The employee serves as an initial point of contact for employees, clients, and applicants. Duties vary according to the assigned unit or workload and include screening and assisting clients with benefits and services, processing applications, coordinating referrals and resources, maintaining records, and performing administrative, financial, and reporting work. The role may also support adult programs, provider programs, family placement and care, adoption searches, supervised visitation, employment and career assistance, and special events. The position requires knowledge of customer service, English, administrative and clerical systems, human behavior, program eligibility, community resources, and applicable social assistance and housing program requirements. The employee uses office equipment and computer programs, communicates with clients and partners, organizes work, conducts interviews, makes screening decisions, and prepares forms and reports. Education and experience: A high school diploma supplemented by postsecondary coursework in social work, human services, gerontology, social or behavioral sciences, business, or a related field, and relevant experience in public administrative support work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Requirements

High school diploma supplemented by postsecondary coursework in social work, human services, gerontology, social or behavioral sciences, business, or a related field, and relevant public administrative support work experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Considerable knowledge of customer and personal service principles, English language and grammar, 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 for local, state, and federal social assistance and housing programs.
Skill in operating office equipment, including a calculator and fax/copier, and 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, coworkers, and the public.
Ability to accept direction, follow procedures, counsel others, organize and format information from records and other sources, and resolve conflicts in working with clients and colleagues.
Ability to create forms, charts, and graphs; perform basic arithmetic and calculate rates, ratios, and percentages; and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to make screening decisions based on specific criteria, read and interpret documents and instructions, and conduct effective face-to-face and telephone interviews.

Responsibilities

Screen clients for benefits and services; interview clients and applicants; explain programs, services, policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
Assist clients with applications, screen applications, and research databases to obtain or verify information needed to process them.
Provide information and referrals to clients seeking services, and follow up with partnering agencies, vendors, and government entities.
Maintain logs of client documentation, contact clients for requested information, respond to routine inquiries, and schedule and coordinate appointments.
Assess client and family needs, coordinate appropriate resources, and generate payments for services when appropriate.
Independently manage provider program requirements, evaluate and approve agency providers, verify In-Home Provider timesheets, and manage vouchers and ongoing expenditures.
Interview clients and assess emergency needs; facilitate adult placements in Adult Living Facilities and send placement packets.
Locate families, contact families or fictive kin for placement, and complete applications and paperwork for clients entering or receiving care.
Conduct adoption searches using court records, libraries, agency files, the Internet, and city directories, and make initial contact when a match is found.
Assist with subsidy billings and payments; prepare, process, and reconcile budgets for adult programs; review expenditures and operational cost effectiveness.
Prepare complex statistical reports, periodic and special reports, financial and statistical forms, case documentation, and court reports.
Attend and testify at administrative hearings.
Assist with orientation and training of new staff and conduct supervised visitation when assigned.
Coordinate special events and unit programs, including Toys for Tots, the Annual Art Sale, and Bags & Bears.
Help participants write resumes and complete job or apartment applications; locate appropriate interview clothing and help clients make clothing choices.
Drive clients to appointments or other destinations when necessary and take participants on educational or career exploration field trips.