Human Services Aide

Middlesex County, New Jersey; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 44,370 - 54,230; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

On-site wellness coaches

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Generous vacation and sick leave

Job summary

A county welfare agency in New Jersey is seeking a Human Services Assistant to support eligibility determination for financial assistance. Responsibilities include interviewing applicants, maintaining case records, and assisting clients in navigating benefits. Ideal candidates will have a High School Diploma and customer service experience, with language proficiency in Spanish or Arabic preferred. This role offers starting pay of $49,300 per year, and competitive benefits supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; college degree or coursework is a plus.
• Prior customer service experience is desired.
• Experience with government agencies or social services is ideal but not required.
• Proficiency in relevant languages is strongly preferred.
• Must pass physical, drug screen, and background check.
• NJ residency required.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants and establish background information.
• Develop information on applicants’ circumstances and needs.
• Maintain records of individual cases.
• Prepare recommendations and reports.
• Assist Human Services Specialists in determining eligibility.
• Prepare correspondence for verification of applicants’ statements.
• Identify clients’ eligibility for other benefits.
• Respond to complaints about financial eligibility.
• Assist clients with application paperwork.
• Exercise independent judgment in task accomplishment.

Skills

Customer service experience

Proficiency in Spanish

Proficiency in Arabic

Proficiency in Hindi

Proficiency in Gujarati

Proficiency in Urdu

Education

High School Diploma

College degree or coursework

Job description

Under direct supervision of a Human Services Specialist 4 or other supervisor in a County Welfare Agency, while receiving formal and in‑service training, assists the Human Services Specialists in the performance of specific duties on a paraprofessional level which includes determination of eligibility for financial assistance in accord with rules and regulations promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Human Services; does other related duties as well.

Responsibilities

• Interviews applicants and makes telephone and written inquiries to establish needed background information.
• Develops pertinent information on applicants’ circumstances and needs.
• Maintains records of facts on individual cases.
• Prepares recommendations and submits reports.
• May assist Human Services Specialists where necessary in their work, determining basic eligibility and extent of financial need and in clarification and verification of data obtained from clients and other pertinent sources.
• Prepares correspondence related to establishing verification of applicants’ statement of financial need.
• Identifies instances of possible financial resources and assists clients in identifying and establishing eligibility for benefits from agencies such as Employment Security, Social Security and Veterans’ Administration and refers clients to appropriate agency.
• Responds to complaints relative to financial eligibility.
• Provides assistance to clients in filling out necessary papers to expedite processing of applications for financial assistance.
• Exercises independent judgement as far as selecting methods or procedures to help accomplish assigned tasks.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma; college degree or college coursework completed is a plus.
• Experience: Prior customer service experience desired. Experience working for a government agency, non‑profit, or social service organization is ideal, but not required.
• Language: Proficiency in one or more of the following languages is strongly preferred due to the needs of our client population: Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Gujarati, or Urdu.
• Must satisfy employer paid physical, drug screen and criminal background check.
• NJ residency required by State Statute. R.S.52:14-7.

How to Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to [e-mail]

Starting Pay

• $49,300 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

You can build your own future while helping to build the future of your community. With competitive benefits, including a pension plan, on‑site wellness coaches, and health and dental insurance, Middlesex County offers the support employees need. The County also promotes a healthy work‑life balance with generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Middlesex County is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.