Human Services Assistant II

Human Services Assistant II

Human Services Assistant II represents the full performance level in the occupational group for Human Services Assistants. Employees provide a variety of services while working in one or more program areas performing responsible administrative and technical work in support of agency clients.

General work tasks include but not limited to:

• Operates various computer systems to conduct searches for initial applications, renewals, and re-certification and/or to update information.
• Provides information and assists clients with completing applications, etc.
• Answers incoming calls and responds to inquiries from the Hotline/Crisis phone line.
• Provides case management support to the Human Services Specialist staff.
• Prepares and mails correspondence.
• Provides information and referrals and verifies information as required for other community resources.
• Provides written and/or oral documentation regarding client contacts, verification letters, and other situations.
• Sets up case files, typing or labeling case files, and completing forms.
• Assists in the preparation of periodic, special, and other reports.
• Directs residents and trains them in completing chores, appropriate personal hygiene, and interpersonal skill development.
• Provides emotional and parental support to each resident, including physical need training and support.
• Assists in meal preparation and daily housekeeping.
• Provides transportation of residents to and from required services.
• Completes daily log entries and other communications required in the completion of each resident's treatment plan.
• Assesses immediate crisis needs of clients and address appropriately.
• Supports the daily operations of the Shelter offices. The Shelter is staffed 24/7 by awake advocates.

Minimum qualifications:

• Working knowledge of agency's computer systems and software, principles and processes for providing customer and personal services, human behavior and performance, individual differences in ability, personality, and interests, learning and motivation, and mathematics.
• Some knowledge of regulations, policies, and procedures of the assigned program area as related to assisting the clients. May require some knowledge of counseling terminology and practices.
• Skill in 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.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents such as State and local policies and procedure manuals. Prepare special reports and correspondence. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Perform calculations and solve practical problems. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Work well with others and resolve conflicts with employees, clients, and citizens. Effectively apply acquired knowledge of human behavior and social functioning. Recognize basic needs of clients. Exercise good judgment, tact, and resourcefulness in meeting problems and situations. Instruct clients in a variety of direct-care techniques. Maintain confidential records and materials. Plan, organize, and prioritize daily tasks. Use correct spelling and basic grammar and interview and elicit needed information from clients.

Preferred qualifications:

• 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.
• Relevant work experience in public administrative support work OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Special requirements:

• Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.
• The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), 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.
• This position is covered under Code of Virginia §63.2-1601.1 or §63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.
• Employee must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. May be required to participate in afterhours on-call schedule on a rotating basis.
• Complete a minimum of 2 hours of Community Outreach as outlined by the Agency each year. These events are held outside of normal office hours.
• Driving record must meet agency standard.

Special instructions to applicants:

• Applications accepted only through this online process. Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience and qualifications on the application and/or resume.
• Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer.