Human Services Consultant

State of Indiana•Crown Point, IN

About The Position

The Human Services Consultant works within the Division of Family Resources (DFR) of the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). DFR establishes eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), manages timely and accurate SNAP and TANF benefit delivery, and provides employment and training services to some recipients. The division focuses on supporting and preserving families through self-sufficiency and personal responsibility. This role researches and interprets federal requirements, develops service innovations and program descriptions, and collects and analyzes social services data for planning. It contributes to the Annual Comprehensive Services Plan, conducts ongoing service needs assessments, and supports citizen participation in the planning process, including local public meetings. The consultant provides subject-matter consultation in specified social service program areas and coordinates with other administrative units. A degree is not required. The position may be used in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs, and limited travel within Indiana may be required.

Requirements

Specialized knowledge of federal program statutes and the ability to interpret applicable rules and regulations.
Specialized knowledge of planning in social service program areas, including child abuse and neglect, developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities, and family services, across state and local agencies, organizations, and planning groups.
Specialized knowledge of research procedures and activities.
Ability to relate to agency personnel at local, state, interstate, and regional levels.
Ability to write clear and concise program descriptions, research papers, correspondence, and procedures.
Ability to travel on a limited basis to various regions of Indiana for research, planning meetings, and public hearings.
Effective communication skills.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Research and interpret changes to or requirements in federal regulations.
Research and develop service innovations and issues for presentation to Human Services staff and appropriate committees.
Research and establish databases for specific human services areas.
Develop program service descriptions.
Collect and analyze social services data for planning purposes.
Solicit, incorporate, and maintain citizen participation in planning, including local public meetings.
Act as a consultant and specialist in specified program areas, such as child abuse and neglect, developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, physical disabilities, and family services.
Review state legislative proposals and actions.
Maintain coordination and communication with other administrative units in the programs.
Research and make recommendations for developing and publishing the Annual Comprehensive Services Plan.
Conduct ongoing needs assessments for services.
Travel to regions of the state to gather research and hold planning meetings and public hearings with other planning agencies, as needed.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with bi-weekly state contributions.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies, including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave for eligible employees, up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers, up to 15 hours of paid community service leave, and a combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.