Social Services Specialist

DeSoto Board of County Commissioners (FL); Florida; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

DeSoto Board of County Commissioners (FL) seeks a Social Services clerk to perform program tracking, reporting, eligibility intake, and referrals for residents in need. This role supports the Social Services Director and coordinates with local housing projects and agencies.

Responsibilities include interviewing clients, processing income verifications, maintaining financial records, and preparing mandated reports for state and federal agencies.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent and four years in clerical/office management.
• Experience with local, state and federal housing programs and application processes.
• Comparable training, education, or experience can substitute minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Handle detailed program tracking, reporting, assessment, investigation, counseling, assistance or referrals for clientele.
• Interview clients and record information; refer to appropriate agencies.
• Complete eligibility screening and intake for Social Services programs (e.g., LIHEAP, Housing).
• Prepare financial tracking for Social Services programs and monthly/quarterly/annual reports.
• Attend department meetings and provide minutes; manage purchase orders and fund tracking.

Skills

Office management

Clerical tasks

Regulatory interpretation

Effective communication

Data entry

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Responsible for performing performs detailed program tracking, reporting, assessment, investigation, counseling, assistance, and/or referral of clientele based on individual needs and available programs. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Social Services Director.

1. Receives telephone calls and personal client visits from residents seeking assistance with social service situations and assists on the basis of knowledge of available programs.
2. Interviews and records personal information, for clients seeking assistance. Refers clients to appropriate agencies, as necessary.
3. Completes eligibility screening and applicant interviews as part of applicant intake process for various Social Services programs, such as but not limited to, LIHEAP and Housing programs.
4. Completes income/asset verification as prescribed by State/Federal standards.
5. Develops and maintains detailed and complex financial tracking system for all Social Services programs.
6. Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for local, state and federal agencies as required.
7. Interacts extensively with members of the public, private contractors and Building Department staff on housing projects which involve the reviewing of the home and needs of the homeowner, conducting mandatory walk-throughs for housing projects. Providing necessary notice to qualified bidders. Maintaining updated Contractor applications and required licenses.
8. Prepares and executes all bank related contracts, mortgages and loan documents for applicable housing projects.
9. Orders title searches on qualified homes.
10. Review contractor/vendor invoices and process for payment.
11. Briefs the Social Services Director is fully briefed on matters to be considered prior to committing state, federal or local funding.
12. Attends department-related meetings and takes notes of pertinent data. Provides detailed minutes of meetings attended.
13. Opens purchase orders and maintains tracking system for funds.
14. Performs a variety of duties related to the Social Services Department, handling special projects and other duties as assigned.
15. Attend quarterly Fair Housing Events.

• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining Social Services.
• Knowledge of state, county, and local social service organization and programs.
• Ability to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Ability to organize effectively the flow of clerical processes and successfully complete a variety of tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret regulations and follow written directions and make appropriate decisions based on such.
• Ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing.
• Ability to hear and speak clearly in person and over the telephone.
• Ability to physically relocate from one workstation to another.

High School diploma or equivalent; four (4) years work experience involving clerical and office management duties, including the operation of a personal computer and related software. Experience with local, state and federal housing programs and application processes.

(A comparable amount of training, education, or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.).