Human Services Specialist

City of Avondale; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Avondale is accepting applications for a Human Services Specialist in the Neighborhood & Family Services Department. This role processes applications for rental, utility, and mortgage assistance for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, and links clients to community-based support services.

You will conduct client interviews to determine eligibility, provide referrals, assist with submitting applications, and perform front desk duties and data entry in a

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for rental, utility, and mortgage assistance for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship.
• Work directly with the public to determine eligibility and funding sources.
• Provide referrals and link clients to community-based support services.
• Perform CAP Caseworker duties, interview clients to determine eligibility and assist with forms and letters.
• Assist with front desk operations, data input, and general administrative tasks.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish

Customer service

Data entry

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

The City of Avondale is accepting applications for a Human Services Specialist in the Neighborhood & Family Services Department

This position is responsible for processing applications for rental, utility, and mortgage assistance for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. You will work directly with the public to determine the applicant’s eligibility and funding sources that will best meet their needs. Provide referrals and direct linkage to other community-based support services to assist applicants and their families. Work collaboratively with the Family Services team, community-based partners, and other city departments.

Provides customer service including in-person, via phone, and email. Assists clients with submitting applications and scheduling appointments.

Performs duties of CAP (Community Action Program) Caseworker, holds client interviews to determine eligibility for rental/mortgage and or utilities, Telephone Assistance Program. Completes forms and mails out approval/denial letters.

Provides referrals for other assistance to CAP clients such as food and clothing assistance and other like services.

Performs administration duties preparing reports, finalizing applications, and filing documentation. Answers phones, greets clients, performs data input, and completes other administrative tasks as necessary. This includes assisting with front desk operations for the resource center.

Experience working with community-based partners. Familiar with resources in Avondale, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, and the greater Phoenix area.

Ability to utilize and work across several databases simultaneously throughout the workday. Ability to adapt and adjust to a rapidly changing and dynamic environment.

Experience carrying a caseload of at least Twenty (20) clients at a time.

Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and best practices in delivering human services.

Comfortable and able to communicate kindly and professionally with the public over the phone, in person, and via email.

Skilled in providing attention to detail. Organized and managed time well.

Thrives in a high-paced deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent required. A Bachelor's degree in Human Services or a related field is preferred.
• Two (2) years of Human Services experience or experience in a related field.
• Two (2) years of case management experience.
• A valid Arizona Operator’s Driver’s License.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• An Arizona Department of Public Safety Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card is preferred OR must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• This position requires the successful completion of the Arizona Centralized Background Check at the time of hire and annually thereafter.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish (verbal and written) is preferred.