Human Services Assistant II

Virginia-Department-of-Social-Service; Lebanon (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking a Human Services Assistant II to perform a range of administrative and client support tasks across program areas. The role includes processing applications, case management support, documentation, and client communications, with responsibilities also spanning group home and child care facility tasks as listed.

It requires attention to detail, data entry, scheduling, and providing information and referrals to clients seeking benefits or

Qualifications

• Knowledge of customer and personal services
• Ability to read and interpret documents
• Ability to prepare reports and correspondence
• Basic math and data entry skills

Responsibilities

• Operates computer systems to search for initial applications, renewals and re-certification
• Assist clients with completing applications and provide information
• Answer incoming calls and respond to inquiries
• Provide case management support to staff
• Prepare and mail correspondence
• Provide information, referrals and verify information for other resources
• Document client contacts and maintain records
• Set up case files and complete forms
• Assist in preparing periodic or special reports
• Direct residents and train them in daily living tasks
• Support social workers with transcription, file handling and scheduling
• Transports clients to appointments
• Maintain confidentiality of records

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Mathematical ability

Education

High school diploma with related coursework

Job description

Title Description-

Human Services Assistant II represents the full performance level in the occupational group for Human Services Assistants. Employees provide a variety of services while working in one or more program areas performing responsible administrative and technical work in support of agency clients. Human Services Assistant II is distinguished from Human Services Assistant III by the latter’s serving as a screener and the initial point of contact for the clients seeking benefits and/or services.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –

• Benefit Programs:
• Operates various computer systems to conduct searches for initial applications, renewals and re-certification and/or to update information;
• Provides information and assists clients with completing applications, etc.;
• Answers incoming calls and responds to inquiries;
• Provides case management support to the Human Services Specialist staff;
• Prepares and mails correspondence;
• Provides information and referrals and verifies information as required for other community resources;
• Provides written and/or oral documentation regarding client contacts, verification letters, and other situations;
• Sets up case files, typing or labeling case files, and completing forms; and
• Assists in the preparation of periodic, special and other reports.
• Child Protective Services and/or other Social Work Programs:
• Follows up with referrals to ancillary agencies;
• Provides services for identified client needs (i.e. identifies benefit needs and makes appropriate referrals);
• Documents client contact in appropriate record;
• Completes various forms;
• Updates information in various computer systems;
• Provides direct administrative support to Social Workers such as transcription, typing, pulling files, ordering supplies, and creating forms;
• Researches and purges case records;
• Prepares and maintains manual and computer schedules/alerts;
• Provides training to staff on inputting data into social work systems;
• Conducts adoption searches via court records, library, agency files, Internet, city directory, and makes contact if a match is found;
• Transports family members and program participants to appointments;
• Mentors and supports the biological parents of foster care children as well as the children and foster families;
• Testifies in court when subpoenaed; and
• Acts as a liaison between Social Workers and school representatives, etc.

General Work Tasks (continued) –

• Group Home Facility (non-traditional DSS component):
• Directs residents and trains them in completing chores, appropriate personal hygiene, and interpersonal skill development;
• Provides emotional and parental support to each resident, including physical need training and support;
• Ensures behavior modification plan for individual residents are carried through;
• Assists the House Parent in the on-going management of treatment and behavioral modification plans;
• Assists in meal preparation and daily house keeping;
• Provides transportation of residents to and from required services; and
• Completes daily log entries and other communications required in the completion of each resident's treatment plan.
• Child Care Facility (non-traditional DSS component):
• Assists with activities by participating with children in group games, enforcing safety rules, and intervening when children are likely to injure themselves or each other;
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of program materials as requested;
• Follows licensing and school procedures to safeguard the health and safety of the children in the program, which include but are not limited to hand washing, sanitary measures, playground safety rules, and rules regarding the use of supplies and equipment;
• Reports any accidents per our policy and procedures when a child is injured;
• Attends periodic staff meetings with other assistants; and
• Works directly with children as directed and provide child care in the locations and times designated.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge-

Working knowledge of: agency’s computer systems and software; principles and processes for providing customer and personal services; human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; and mathematics. Some knowledge of regulations, policies, and procedures of the assigned program area as related to assisting the clients; may require some knowledge of counseling terminology and practices.

Skills-

Skill in: operating a variety of automated office equipment to include calculator, fax/copier; and the use of computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and file maintenance programs.

Abilities-

Demonstrated ability to: read and interpret documents such as State and local policies and procedure manuals; prepare special reports and correspondence; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; perform calculations; solve practical problems; interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form; work well with others and resolve conflicts with employees, clients and citizens; effectively apply acquired knowledge of human behavior and social functioning; recognize basic needs of clients; exercise good judgment, tact and resourcefulness in meeting problems and situations; instruct clients in a variety of direct-care techniques; maintain confidential records and materials; plan, organize, and prioritize daily tasks; use correct spelling and basic grammar; and interview and elicit needed information from clients.

Education and Experience-

High school diploma supplemented with post-secondary coursework in subjects such as social work, human services, gerontology, or one of the social or behavioral sciences, business or related field, and relevant work experience in public administrative support work OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.