Self-Sufficiency Specialist III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Gloucester, VA

11d•$49,910 - $74,876

About The Position

Self-Sufficiency Specialist III represents the advanced level in the class series for Self-Sufficiency Specialists. Employees provide consultation on complex cases and may work on complex case assignments which require dealing with information that is sensitive and confidential. Employees are assigned projects that require considerable knowledge of all public assistance functions and programs such as VIEW, fraud investigation, child care, and employment services. Employees are dedicated wholly to Employment Services or to a combination of Benefits and Employment Services. Work is performed independently in accordance with well established guidelines and standards. The Specialist III is distinguished from the Specialist IV by the latter’s serving as a lead worker, providing guidance to other specialists, and supporting the supervisor by ensuring staff coverage, reviewing cases, and providing back-up supervision as required. Gloucester Department of Social Services is seeking to fill a position within the Benefit Programs Unit. The selected candidate will be responsible for the Virginia’s Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW), Child Care and the Title IV-E program. This position represents the advanced level of Self Sufficiency Specialist. The selected candidate will work closely with participants to identify strengths and goals as well as barriers that are preventing one from becoming self-sufficient. The selected candidate will be assigned projects that require considerable knowledge of all public assistance functions and programs. This individual will have the ability to collaborate with community partners as well agency staff in other units.

Requirements

Mid-level experience in a Self Sufficiency position
Considerable knowledge of employment services
Considerable experience with child care services
Knowledge of basic human behavior
Conduct interviews for the purpose of gathering information, evaluating situations, and analyzing information.
Skilled in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software
Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
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
Utilize 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

Nice To Haves

Experience with Virginia Social Services computer programs.
Knowledge of policy/procedure interpretation and the ability to explain complex information to clients.
Demonstrated ability to assist clients with personal development and employment skills. The candidate must be able to work successfully as a team member but also independently to accomplish tasks.
Knowledge of the Federal Title IV-E program, determining initial eligibility and processing ongoing changes
The position will require developing and maintaining positive professional working relationships both internally and with community partners and organizations.

Responsibilities

For customers required to participate in the Virginia’s Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW), needs will be assessed and employment plans will be developed utilizing job search, work experience, education and training solutions to employment barriers and assist with developing job opportunities
Determine day care needs for customers requesting assistance
Prepare purchase of service orders and process day care invoices to ensure fiscal funds are accurately appropriated.
Reassess customers at prescribed intervals to ensure that they are making satisfactory progress in the VIEW program and to monitor their particular work status, monitors goals through information and assessment of customer background.
Communicate with the customers to collect needed information for case records and answer client concerns. Reported changes will be addressed timely.
Initiates and imposes sanctions for non-compliance with program requirements and/or the established self-sufficiency plan.
Promotes employment services programs and maintains contacts with community agencies to coordinate delivery of services.
Explore opportunities for employment to divert client's needs for public assistance.
Assign clients to various employment service program components.
Represent the agency by attending meetings with community partners
Shelter duty – When activated by the County Administrator, must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter