Human Services Assistant II

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia; On-site; USD 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers seeks a Human Services Assistant II to provide administrative and technical support within DSS program areas. The role involves helping clients with applications, conducting data entry, and coordinating case information.

You will work under the supervision of Social Workers and may handle various duties across programs. Responsibilities include processing applications, renewals, and referrals, maintaining records, and assisting in scheduling and reporting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with relevant coursework or equivalent experience.
• Experience in public administrative support and client services.
• Ability to assist clients and process applications and renewals.

Responsibilities

• Assist with initial applications, renewals and client data entry.
• Provide information and help clients complete applications.
• Answer calls and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
• Support social workers and prepare correspondence and reports.
• Maintain confidential client records and assist in scheduling.
• Transcribe, file, and coordinate forms and case files.
• Assist in transportation coordination and liaison tasks as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Computer systems usage

Documentation and records

Communication skills

Data entry

Education

High school diploma

Post-secondary coursework in social work / human services

Public administrative support experience

Tools

Office software (Word, Excel)

Job description

Hiring Range: $26,565.00 to commensurate to experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledgeable of Benefit Programs or Service Programs at DSS