Self-Sufficiency Specialist I/II

Virginia Department of Social Services•Madison, VA

3h•$40,800 - $44,000

About The Position

Self-Sufficiency Specialist I is an entry-level position where employees are trained under close supervision to determine eligibility for various social services government assistance programs. Upon successful completion of training and supervisor recommendation, employees are reclassified to Self-Sufficiency Specialist II with a salary increase. Self-Sufficiency Specialist II is the full-performance level, responsible for independently determining and re-determining eligibility for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and other social services benefit programs. This role requires independent judgment, especially concerning social factors influencing eligibility, with supervisory consultation sought only for difficult or unusual situations. Self-Sufficiency Specialist II is distinguished from the III level by the latter's advanced technical work on complex cases and serving as a technical resource.

Requirements

Some knowledge of basic human behavior
Some knowledge of mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems
Some knowledge of 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
Demonstrated ability to interview, gather information, and evaluate situations
Demonstrated ability to analyze information
Demonstrated ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions
Demonstrated ability to use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data
Demonstrated ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality
Demonstrated ability to 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

Nice To Haves

Previous directly related experience, preferably in a Virginia local department of Social Services (for the level II position)

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 and makes assessments of customer needs.
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;