Human Services Assistant III (Amelia) - Virginia Department of Human Resource Management : Job Details

Hiring Range: $36,454 to Commensurate with Experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Title Description: Human Services Assistant III represents the specialist level in the occupational group for Human Services Assistants. This position is in the Benefits Unit of the Agency. Employees serve as the initial point of contact for clients and screens individuals seeking benefits. 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.

Due to the position responsibilities and needs of the Agency, teleworking is not an option for this position.

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only):

• Screens clients for benefits and services;
• Interviews clients and explains programs, services, policies and procedures;
• Assists clients with applications;
• Evaluates and approves agency providers;
• Research information;
• Serves as initial point of contact for applicants;
• Interviews applicants for benefits and/or service programs;
• Provides information regarding various programs and benefits, general eligibility requirements, policies and procedures;
• Assists clients with completing applications and performs initial screening of applications;
• Provides information to clients seeking services and directly makes referrals for services;
• Researches a variety of databases to obtain and/or verify information needed to process applications;
• Maintains logs of client documentation received;
• Schedules and coordinates appointments for clients to meet with benefit, employment or services staff;
• Contacts clients for requested/needed information and responds to routine questions in person, e-mail or by telephone; and
• Analyzes needs and coordinates resources that will support families/clients and generates payment for services when appropriate.

In addition to the above other illustrative program area assignment/tasks follow:

Benefit Programs:

Prepares periodic, special and other reports for statistics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge - Considerable knowledge of: principles and processes for providing customer and personal services (including customer needs assessment, meeting of quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction); structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar; and administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, spreadsheets, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology. Working knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; mathematics and research methods; and eligibility requirements for the programs assigned; and available community resources. Some knowledge of laws, regulations, requirements and policies of Local, State, and Federal social, assistance and housing programs.

Skills - 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.

Abilities - Demonstrate ability to: communicate effectively with program participants; plan, organize, and prioritize own work schedule; establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, professionals, co-workers, and the public sufficient to exchange ideas and coordinate activities; accept direction and follow established procedures; capable as working both independently and as part of a team; organize, and postdate, 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's; 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 - High school diploma supplemented with postsecondary 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.

Special Requirements: Applicants are subject to a DMV driving record check, Child Abuse Central Registry check, criminal history search and/or pre-employment drug screening. The background investigation may include fingerprint checks, employment verification and references, verification of education relevant to employment, credit checks relevant to employment and other background information requested by the hiring authority. Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants: A completed application is required. Applicants are encouraged to provide a resume and cover letter. The application and/or resume must include a complete list of work experience (including periods of unemployment) and qualifications. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and resume. Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, 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