Human Services Assistant III

Human Services Assistant III

Fluvanna County Department of Social Services is seeking a dedicated Human Services Assistant III who is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of adults, families and children. The Human Services Assistant III is responsible for screening benefits applications and supporting the benefits unit in determining eligibility for benefits programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF and other programs.

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 and/or services.

General work tasks include screening clients for benefits and services; interviewing clients and explaining programs, services, policies and procedures; assisting clients with applications; evaluating and approving agency providers; researching information; serving as initial point of contact for applicants; interviewing applicants for benefits and/or service programs; providing information regarding various programs and benefits, general eligibility requirements, policies and procedures; assisting clients with completing applications and performing initial screening of applications; providing information to clients seeking services and directly making referrals for services; researching a variety of databases to obtain and/or verify information needed to process applications; maintaining logs of client documentation received; scheduling and coordinating appointments for clients to meet with benefit, employment or services staff; contacting clients for requested/needed information and responding to routine questions in person, e-mail or by telephone; and analyzing needs and coordinating resources that will support families/clients and generating payment for services when appropriate.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services, structure and content of the English language, administrative and clerical procedures and systems, human behavior and performance, individual differences in ability, personality, and interests, learning and motivation, mathematics and research methods, eligibility requirements for the programs assigned, and available community resources. Skill in operating a variety of automated office equipment and the use of computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and file maintenance programs. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, plan, organize, and prioritize own work schedule, establish and maintain working relationships, accept direction and follow established procedures, counsel others, organize, and post date, 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, 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 include a 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 include prior work experience with a human services agency, experience screening applications for benefit programs, and knowledge of benefit programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, TANF and/or other programs.

Special requirements include all applicants are subject to DMV/driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, CPS and Criminal History Search. Driving record must meet agency standard. The search 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. Employee must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special instructions to applicants include applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume. Please refer to your Local HR Connect account for the status of your application and this position.

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