Self-Sufficiency Specialist I/II (Prince Edward)

Hiring Range: $47,071.20 to Commensurate With Experience Full Time or Part Time: Full Time Titles Description Self-Sufficiency Specialist I represents the entry level in the Self‑Sufficiency Specialist occupational group for employees working under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs and assessing employability of clients to aid in their effort to achieve self sufficiency. Upon recommendation by the supervisor, approval by the director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee shall be redefined to a full-performance Self‑Sufficiency Specialist II and becomes eligible for a salary increase if/as indicated by the local department’s compensation plan. Employees are dedicated wholly to Employment Services or to a combination of Benefits and Employment Services. Self‑Sufficiency Specialist II represents the full performance level in the occupational group for Self‑Sufficiency Specialists responsible for determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs and assessing employability of clients to aid in their effort to achieve self sufficiency. Employees are dedicated wholly to employment Services or to a combination of Benefits and Employment Services. The work is performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgement, especially as related to evaluation of asocial factors influencing eligibility and employment. Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) Explains the employment services program Makes assessments of customer needs and develops employment plans, utilizing job search, work experience, education and training. Establishes and monitors self‑sufficiency goals through information and assessment of customer background. Monitors case reports/records in accordance with regulations. Explains the child care program and makes assessments of customer needs. Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information; Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance; Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods; Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income; Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability; Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; Prepares reports and maintains client records; Minimum Qualifications: Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation. Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software. Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations. High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Preferred Qualifications: Working knowledge of: practices of public social service organizations; employment services; State, Local and Federal guidelines, regulations and policies to make eligibility and employability decisions; economic and human behavior; financial assistance programs; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation. Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing with broad spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, re‑evaluate each client’s situation, and make referrals; determine a client’s ownership share in situations; make mathematical computations; analyze information and determine from a variety of sources missing information and gaps; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations. Proficiency in Department of Social Services related software to include VaCMS. Experience in Benefit Programs and completion of required Benefit Programs training. Special Requirements: Applicants 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), and other checks requested by the hiring authority. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vaemergency