Self Sufficiency Specialist-Southbridge

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Southbridge (MA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Southbridge is seeking a Self Sufficiency Specialist to provide case management for high-risk clients and to help them transition to work. The role requires strong interviewing, documentation, and knowledge of public assistance programs.

The position emphasizes diverse populations, collaboration with agencies, and adherence to laws and policies. A background check and verification of education and licenses are part of the process.

Qualifications

• Minimum four years of full-time professional social work or related experience.
• Ability to understand and explain laws, rules, policies and procedures.
• Excellent writing skills: grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clear narratives.
• Strong interviewing techniques and data gathering.
• Proficiency with computers and various software applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management to high-risk clients.
• Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for programs.
• Prepare and deliver explanations of eligibility decisions.
• Deliver services to assist individuals and families in transitioning to work.
• Coordinate with other agencies for referrals and resources.

Skills

Case management

Interviewing techniques

Written narratives

Computer skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Self Sufficiency Specialist-Southbridge (26000729)

Job Description

Self Sufficiency Specialist-Southbridge - ( 26000729 )

Description

The Department of Transitional Assistance is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Self Sufficiency Specialist.

DTA attracts people passionate about public service who love to work in a fast-paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

• Provide case management to high-risk clients, including teen parents, individuals with mental health and substance abuse concerns, physical and cognitive limitations, and those in homeless or domestic violence situations.
• Maintain working knowledge of locally available programs relative to the Employment Service Program and Young Parents Program.
• Coordinate with the Department of Children and Families to provide referrals to Teen Parenting Programs as needed.
• Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for transitional assistance programs and employment services.
• Conduct interactive interviews and obtain and verify client information.
• Calculate accurate benefit levels and issue appropriate benefit authorizations.
• Perform all tasks related to case maintenance and case management, including referrals to other state agencies, health care providers, and other sources as necessary.
• Prepare and deliver explanations of eligibility decisions.
• Evaluate and monitor high-risk client cases to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Deliver those services required to assist individuals and families in transitioning to work.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the social and economic problems of the diverse client population and the related impact on employability and self-sufficiency.
• Knowledge of the referral sources available for providing services to clients, including available community support and social services resources.
• Knowledge of the principles and correct usage of the English language involved in writing narratives, including grammar, spelling, sentence structure, word meaning and punctuation.
• High level personal computer skills and more in-depth knowledge of various software options.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics, interviewing techniques, and the use of PCs.
• Ability to understand and explain laws, rules, policies and procedures relating to agency operations and eligibility for financial assistance.
• Ability to gather and assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to acquire information on local labor market conditions and the content of a wide variety of occupations.
• Advanced knowledge and skill in the use of the principles and methods of employment counseling and employment placement.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise and logical narratives and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to determine the applicability of client data, draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, including the exercise of discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to assess and prioritize tasks and demonstrate problem solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of career and educational counseling theories.
• Prior case management experience with high-risk clients.
• Proven ability to problem solve and motivate clients to achieve self-sufficiency while removing and resolving barriers to employment.
• Prior experience providing support to teen parents while assisting in their developmental needs.
• Commitment to working with diverse populations.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Agency Mission:

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every seven people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment supports.

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in social work or social casework, claims adjudication, job placement, recruitment, employment counseling, vocational or rehabilitation counseling, credit investigation, educational counseling, legal advocacy, or legal counseling.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

– A bachelor's or higher degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.

– One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

LICENSES: Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Aff…

Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title : Benef Elig & Refer Soc Wrk (C)

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Southbridge-80 Optical Drive

Job

Community and Social Services

Agency

Department of Transitional Assistance

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Oct 21, 2026, 7:47:55 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

73,555.04 - 99,932.82 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Aff…

Bargaining Unit : 08-SEIU - Local 509 - Social/Rehabilitation

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes