Human Services Assistant III

Virginia Department of Social Services; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Social Services seeks a Human Services Assistant III to be the initial contact for clients applying for benefits and services. You will screen applications and assist with processing, while guiding clients through eligibility steps and program information.

Strong communication and organizational skills are essential to ensure accurate data and compassionate service. The role includes handling case documentation, scheduling appointments, and supporting front-office

Qualifications

• High school diploma with post-secondary coursework in social work or related field, and relevant work experience.
• Experience in public administrative support is preferred.
• Ability to use standard office software is required.

Responsibilities

• Screen clients for benefits and assist with applications.
• Registers and assigns applications.
• Assists clients with applications and initial screening.
• Provides information on programs and eligibility requirements.
• Maintains logs of client documentation received.
• Schedules and coordinates appointments for clients.
• Back up the Front Office and distribute EBT when needed.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma with post-secondary coursework in social work or related field

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Office suite

Job description

Title Description-

Human Services Assistant III represents the specialist level in the occupational group for Human Services Assistants. Employees serve as the initial point of contact for clients seeking benefits and/ or services and screens clients for benefits and services. Human Services Assistant III is distinguished from Human Services Assistant II by serving as a screener and the initial point of contact for the clients seeking benefits.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) –

• Screens clients for benefits including Energy Assistance;
• Registers and assigns applications;
• Assists clients with applications;

• Serves as initial point of contact for applicants;
• Provides information regarding various programs and benefits, general eligibility requirements, policies and procedures;
• Assists clients with completing applications and performs initial screening of applications;
• Researches a variety of databases to obtain and/or verify information needed to process applications;
• Maintains logs of client documentation received;
• Schedules and coordinates appointments for clients to meet with benefits;
• Back up the Front Office as well as Distribute EBT when needed.

General Work Tasks (continued) –

• Benefit Programs
• Helps participant in writing resumes; follows up on referrals to ancillary agencies, in person and in writing;
• Locates resources for clients needing appropriate interview clothing and helps clients in making appropriate clothing choices; and

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge- Considerable knowledge of: principles and processes for providing customer and personal services (including customer needs assessment, meeting of quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction); structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar; and administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, spreadsheets, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology. Working knowledge of: human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; mathematics and research methods; and eligibility requirements for the programs assigned; and available community resources. Some knowledge of laws, regulations, requirements and policies of Local, State, and Federal social, assistance and housing programs.

Skills

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. Prior knowledge of social services is desired.

Abilities-

Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively with program participants; plan, organize, and prioritize own work schedule; establish and maintain working relationships with clients, professionals, co-workers, and the public sufficient to exchange ideas and coordinate activities; accept direction and follow established procedures; counsel others; organize, and postdate, from records, reports and other sources using the appropriate format; exhibit solid interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution in working with clients, professionals and employees; create forms, charts, and graphs; add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs; make screening decisions based upon specific criteria’s; read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, manuals; and conduct effective interviews both face-to-face and by telephone.

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:

Experience in a Local Department of Social Services. Experience in processing public assistance.

Special Requirements:

All applicants are subject to a DMV driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, and CPS and criminal history search. The investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification. Employee must be willing to work in community emergency response capacity in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

This position is open until filled.