Self- Sufficiency Specialist II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Verona, VA

17d

About The Position

This is a technical position. This position is responsible for determining eligibility for social services government assistance programs and assessing employability of clients to aid in their effort to achieve self-sufficiency. The responsibilities can be a combination of Benefits and Employment Services/Self-Sufficiency Programs such as Childcare Subsidy, VIEW (Virginia Initiative for Education and Work) and/or SNAPET (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training. The work is performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgement, especially as related to evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility and employment. The employee assesses individuals referred to the program, identifies and addresses barriers to employment and long-term stability, develops a plan, monitors and supports client progress, and implements program requirements. The employee operates as a team member. Assists in providing emergency shelter as mandated and required.

Requirements

High School Diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience.
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, psychology, or related field and some experience in social work
Working knowledge of practices of public social service organizations; employment services; State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies to make eligibility and employability decisions; economic and human behavior; financial assistance programs; 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 unit and agency software.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; individually and in group settings with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, work-site placements, courts and medical professionals in person and on the phone
Ability to interview, gather information, evaluate each client’s situation, develop plans and make referrals
Ability to determine a client’s ownership share in situations
Ability to make mathematical computations
Ability to make eligibility and employ-ability decisions
Ability to independently identify customer’s employment needs, identify and address barriers to employment, and develop employment plans
Ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access, interpret and manipulate data
Ability to generate reports, maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing local conclusions
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations
Ability to actively engage a team member to support the long-term stability of families served and the mission of the agency
Ability to complete shelter duty training and serves in shelters as required
Experience in benefit programs, use of computer software and hardware, and completion of required Benefit and Employment Services Programs training.
Experience in professional interaction with the general public by phone and in person.

Nice To Haves

Graduate from accredited college or university with major coursework in social work, psychology, human services or related field.
Completion of benefits and/or employment services training to provide knowledge, skills and abilities.
Working knowledge of community resources and being able to make appropriate referrals.
Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Must pass the agency’s background checks.