Social Services Specialist

DeSoto Board of County Commissioners • DeSoto County, FL

8h

About The Position

The Social Services Specialist performs program tracking, reporting, assessment, investigation, counseling, assistance, and referrals based on clients’ individual needs and available programs. The position is under the general supervision of the Social Services Director and supports the administration of Social Services programs, including LIHEAP and housing programs.

The role handles client intake and eligibility screening, verifies income and assets under applicable state and federal standards, maintains financial tracking systems, and prepares reports for local, state, and federal agencies. It also supports housing projects by coordinating with residents, contractors, vendors, and Building Department staff; conducting required home walk-throughs; maintaining contractor applications and licenses; processing project documents and invoices; and tracking funds and purchase orders. The specialist attends department meetings and Fair Housing events, prepares meeting minutes, and undertakes other assigned duties. This is a disaster essential position.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Four years of work experience involving clerical and office management duties, including operating a personal computer and related software; comparable training, education, or experience may be substituted.
• Experience with local, state, and federal housing programs and application processes.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to Social Services.
• Knowledge of state, county, and local social service organizations and programs.
• Ability to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform the position’s duties.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Ability to organize clerical processes effectively and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret regulations, follow written directions, and make appropriate decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing.
• Ability to hear and speak clearly in person and over the telephone.
• Ability to physically relocate from one workstation to another.

Responsibilities

• Respond to telephone calls and in-person visits from residents seeking social services assistance, and assist based on knowledge of available programs.
• Interview clients seeking assistance and record their personal information.
• Refer clients to appropriate agencies as needed.
• Conduct eligibility screenings and applicant interviews during intake for Social Services programs, including LIHEAP and housing programs.
• Verify income and assets as required by state and federal standards.
• Develop and maintain detailed financial tracking systems for Social Services programs.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for local, state, and federal agencies.
• Coordinate with the public, private contractors, and Building Department staff on housing projects, including reviewing homes and homeowner needs and conducting mandatory walk-throughs.
• Provide required notices to qualified bidders and maintain updated contractor applications and required licenses.
• Prepare and execute applicable bank-related contracts, mortgages, and loan documents for housing projects.
• Order title searches for qualified homes.
• Review contractor and vendor invoices and process them for payment.
• Brief the Social Services Director on matters before state, federal, or local funding is committed.
• Attend department-related meetings, take notes on pertinent information, and prepare detailed minutes.
• Open purchase orders and maintain a funds tracking system.
• Perform other Social Services Department duties, special projects, and assigned tasks.
• Attend quarterly Fair Housing events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED