Human Services Assistant II-AS/APS

Virginia Department of Social Services; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Social Services is seeking a professional to support Adult Services/Adult Protective Services. You will respond to intake calls, gather information in person or by phone, meet walk-ins, link CPS cases, and enter data into PeerPlace, while assisting in eligibility determinations and referrals.

This role requires strong communication, discretion, and the ability to work with diverse clients in a public service setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with post-secondary coursework in social work, human services, gerontology, or related field and relevant work experience in public administrative support or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field is preferred, with at least two years of related aging-experience being a plus.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to pass background checks may be required.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls to the AS/APS Intake line and obtain information in-person or by phone.
• Meet with AS/APS walk-ins and link CPS walk-ins with CPS intake.
• Enter mandated information and assign AS/APS cases into PeerPlace; determine eligibility for AS services.
• Provide referrals for community-based services and maintain case records and communications with clients and professionals.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer skills

Office equipment

Education

High school diploma with related coursework

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

PeerPlace

Job description

Title Description:

This is a professional/para-professional position under the supervision of a Family Services Supervisor that performs responsible professional work in the support and assistance of those involved with the Adult Services/Adult Protective Services unit (AS/APS) by responding to calls to the AS/APS Intake line, obtaining information both in-person and over the phone, meeting with AS/APS walk-ins, linking CPS walk-ins with CPS intake, entering mandated information and assignment of AS/APS cases into the PeerPlace case management system, obtaining financial information to determine eligibility for AS services, providing assistance with tertiary case responsibilities, providing emergency assistance to family service workers with case responsibilities on an as-needed basis, provide referrals for community-based services, maintain communication with clients and professionals, assisting in completion of required case contacts, maintain case records and perform other assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s) required to successfully perform the work:

KNOWLEDGE OF: Social work principles and practices; process of aging and geriatrics; human behavior; stages of change and motivational interviewing; effective communication; crisis intervention; current social issues and related interventions for issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, food insecurity, substance abuse, healthcare availability, and mental illness; empowerment theory; team building; evidenced based practices; identifying abuse, neglect and exploitation and intervention strategies; community resources.

SKILLS IN: Use of personal computer, hardware and software programs; operation of general office equipment and motor vehicle.

ABILITY TO: Review and interpret local, state, and federal policy; Assess risk, safety, and need for immediate response for reported abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation via telephone or in person; enter factual and concise documentation into the case management system per policy; maintain effective working relationships with clients and other professionals; exercise diplomacy and tact; use evidenced based practices; work effectively with customers who have varying socioeconomic status', cultures, morals and values; assess client needs, counsel and refer clients to a variety of housing, medical, social, and financial resources; understand adult’s right to self-determination; illicit necessary information from callers or walk-ins.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification): High school diploma supplemented with post-secondary coursework in subjects such as social work, human services, gerontology, or one of the social 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 (Experience, Licensure, Certification): Possession of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field and a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in the field of aging is preferred.
Possession of a valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a driving record demonstrating responsible motor vehicle operation practices. Driving record must meet agency requirements. Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check. Must pass the agency background checks. This investigation may include fingerprint checks from the State Police, local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening.

Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.