Self-Sufficiency Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Courtland, VA

3d•$35,452

About The Position

Self-Sufficiency Specialist I is an entry-level position in the Self-Sufficiency Specialist occupational group. Employees work under close supervision while being trained to determine eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs and assess clients’ employability to help them achieve self-sufficiency. Employees are assigned wholly to Employment Services or to a combination of Benefits and Employment Services. After supervisor recommendation, director approval, and successful completion of the training program, an employee may be redefined as a full-performance Self-Sufficiency Specialist II and may become eligible for a salary increase under the local department’s compensation plan. The Specialist I level differs from Specialist II, which independently performs assigned eligibility and employment service duties and makes judgments in accordance with agency practices, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and policies.

Requirements

High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Some knowledge of basic human behavior.
Some knowledge of mathematics, including calculating percentages, formulas, and averages to solve mathematical problems.
Some knowledge of interviewing techniques, including data collection and investigation.
Skill in operating a personal computer and associated office and agency software.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; follow written or oral instructions using common-sense understanding; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports, and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics relating to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships in a positive and tactful manner, including in stressful situations.

Responsibilities

Explain the employment services program.
Assess customer needs and develop employment plans using job search, work experience, education, and training.
Establish and monitor self-sufficiency goals using information about and assessments of customers’ backgrounds.
Monitor case reports and records in accordance with regulations.
Explain the child care program and assess customer needs.
Interview people seeking assistance and obtain necessary information.
Explain temporary assistance benefit programs and determine reasons for and need for assistance.
Process applications for financial assistance and diversion.
Determine eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods.
Evaluate clients’ employability status and explore potential sources of income.
Explain client responsibilities, rights, and program availability.
Refer clients to a service worker based on an overall assessment of their situation.
Prepare reports and maintain client records.