Human Services Client Associate

Virginia Department of Social Services•Alexandria, VA

4d•$43,735 - $58,587

About The Position

The Human Services Client Associate works in the Center for Economic Support Customer Relations division of the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services. The division is an initial point of access to services for residents in crisis or needing social service interventions. The role provides crisis intervention, emergency support, and referral services to the community, including low-income families and people who may be homeless or at risk of homelessness, have disabilities or chronic illnesses, are elderly, have mental illness or substance dependence, or are formerly incarcerated. The position also supports community relations projects, workshops, outreach, and community-based health care programs. It performs office and program support work requiring knowledge of program practices, policies, and procedures. Work is reviewed by a supervisor through conferences and assessment of service effectiveness. The role may lead special projects and provide guidance to office support staff or others.

Requirements

High school diploma supplemented with related clerical or administrative experience in social services or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Considerable knowledge of office and administrative practices, policies, and procedures related to assigned program and office support activities.
Considerable knowledge of spelling, grammar, punctuation, office terminology, procedures, equipment technology, and office software programs.
Considerable knowledge of mathematics for calculating percentages, formulas, and averages to solve mathematical problems.
Some knowledge of elementary bookkeeping and accounting.
Considerable knowledge of benefit programs and community resources.
Skill in operating a personal computer, printer, scanner, and standard office machines and equipment.
Ability to organize information and develop and maintain records in various formats.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, multitask, collect and disseminate information, proofread, and type from clear copy or draft.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, customers, public and private agencies, and the public, including in stressful situations.
Ability to advise on and interpret policies and procedures while researching and resolving inquiries, requests, and complaints.
Ability to advocate for the service population and liaise with community resources.
Ability to prepare and maintain complete and accurate records and reports.

Nice To Haves

Experience in case coordination, interviewing, completing assessments, teaching, or counseling economically disadvantaged or developmentally disabled people, the local offender population, displaced workers, people with substance-use concerns, or people experiencing homelessness, or equivalent training and experience.
Experience in case management, teaching, or counseling economically disadvantaged people.

Responsibilities

Provide in-person and telephone crisis intervention and emergency support services to clients.
Greet clients and escort them to and from secured areas for assessment interviews.
Interview clients, assess their service needs, and monitor and evaluate their progress.
Develop training using platform tools such as SurveyMonkey in collaboration with supervisors and directors.
Determine eligibility and renewals for dental, vision, and provider-based medical insurance programs.
Analyze interview information and documentation to determine eligibility.
Complete benefit-assistance applications or help clients complete them.
Refer clients to appropriate departments and community resources, support access to resources, and manage cases according to program requirements.
Respond to public inquiries about program services, address concerns, process changes to existing cases, and make referrals as appropriate.
Develop or coordinate workshops supporting independence and self-sufficiency, including creating flyers and facilitating sessions.
Arrange for needed items such as food, shelter, and prescriptions through community resources or agencies.
Stay informed about client programs and services, including eligibility criteria.
Provide coverage and assist with SNAP-EBT Incentive and Gleaning Programs at farmers markets, and collect data for reporting.
Liaise with multicultural or multilingual families and translate signage and documents or provide interpretation.
Update electronic public communication boards and message boards.
Lead special projects and assist with project charters, plans, and presentations.
Assess community needs and help plan, organize, and implement workshops, forums, and seminars, and develop educational marketing materials.
Attend civic association meetings, school activities, shelters, and other community functions to provide program information and discuss issues relevant to target groups.
Maintain and compile a directory of local resources for financial assistance, clothing, housing, and other needed items and services.
Serve on committees and task forces.
Assist with reports, correspondence, and other administrative tasks.
Participate in special projects as assigned.
Perform related work as required.