Self-Sufficiency Specialist I

State of Virginia•Washington County, VA

58d

About The Position

Titles Description- Self-Sufficiency Specialist I represents the entry level in the Self-Sufficiency Specialist occupational group for employees working under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs and assessing employability of clients to aid in their effort to achieve self sufficiency. Upon recommendation by the supervisor, approval by the director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee shall be redefined to a full-performance Self-Sufficiency Specialist II. Employees are dedicated to a combination of Benefits and Employment Services. This level is distinguished from the Self-Sufficiency Specialist II by the latter's performing all the assigned eligibility and employment service duties independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies. General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) - Explains the employment services program; Makes assessments of customer needs and develops employment plans, utilizing job search, work experience, education and training; Establishes and monitors self-sufficiency goals through information and assessment of customer background; Monitors case reports/records in accordance with regulations; Explains the child care program, makes assessments of customer needs and develops child care plans; Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information; Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance; Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods; Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income; Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability; Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; Prepares reports and maintains client records; Identifies possible fraud and make appropriate referrals; Give applicants or recipients information about other agencies where they may go for services they seek and are able to utilize without explanation or supportive services. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation. Skills- Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software. Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations. Education and Experience- High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience in TANF, VIEW or child care eligibility determination and case management. Special Requirements: Must pass a criminal records check, driving records check, central registry check and drug screen. This position will be required to work emergency shelters during natural disasters or weather events.

Requirements

Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.
Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.
Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.
High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Must pass a criminal records check, driving records check, central registry check and drug screen.
This position will be required to work emergency shelters during natural disasters or weather events.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in TANF, VIEW or child care eligibility determination and case management.

Responsibilities

Explains the employment services program
Makes assessments of customer needs and develops employment plans, utilizing job search, work experience, education and training
Establishes and monitors self-sufficiency goals through information and assessment of customer background
Monitors case reports/records in accordance with regulations
Explains the child care program, makes assessments of customer needs and develops child care plans
Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information
Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance
Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion
Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods
Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income
Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability
Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation
Prepares reports and maintains client records
Identifies possible fraud and make appropriate referrals
Give applicants or recipients information about other agencies where they may go for services they seek and are able to utilize without explanation or supportive services