Social Services Specialist

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want to earn four (4) weeks off during your first year of employment? Do you want low and no cost health insurance options? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need to complete your application now. Work for the city you love! The Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department is actively seeking a Social Services Specialist. As a City of Jacksonville employee, you would also have twelve (12) paid holidays, a personal leave day, health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans available. City employees are also eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on‑time payments. This role provides social services to qualified clients. It requires knowledge of techniques, methods, and procedures used in the varied benefits, social services, and public assistance‑related programs. The work involves client interaction, persuasion, and influence, with latitude to apply judgment in varying situations. Mostly performed in an office environment, the employee may conduct field visits to clients and operate a motor vehicle. Responsibilities Interview and assess client needs, provide counseling, determine eligibility, and refer clients to appropriate social service or public assistance agencies. Visit clients to provide or ascertain services needed. Instruct and guide clients in preparing family budgets. Represent clients with respect to claims or applications for benefits, social services, and public assistance and appeals of denial of such benefits, services, or assistance. Review requests for and authorize payment of social services or public assistance provided to clients through contracted providers such as child day‑care centers. Monitor changes in social service and public assistance‑related laws, rules, and regulations. Plan, develop, and present programs to large groups regarding social services‑related issues. Compile data and prepare reports and/or oral presentations. Respond to inquiries from clients, the general public, and private industry regarding available social services and public assistance programs. Prepare correspondence and technical reports as required. Establish and maintain records, files, and reports. Operate motor vehicles and standard office equipment. Demonstrate proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies. Perform related work as required. Qualifications Knowledge of federal, state, and local social services and public assistance programs. Knowledge of social services and public assistance‑related laws, rules, and regulations. Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques, methods, and procedures. Knowledge of medical and legal terminology. Skill in interviewing and data‑gathering techniques. Skill in researching, analyzing, interpreting and applying social services or public assistance‑related federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations. Ability to assess and determine the needs of clients and match such needs to federal, state, and local social services and public assistance programs. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to develop and make presentations to large groups. Ability to establish and maintain records. Ability to perform mathematical calculations. Ability to compile and interpret statistical data. Ability to establish effective working relationships. Ability to operate a personal computer using word processing, spreadsheet, and related software applications. Ability to operate standard office equipment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Licensing / Certification / Registration A valid driver’s license is required prior to appointment and must be maintained. Must obtain and maintain a City of Jacksonville Certification as a Public Driver prior to appointment. Depending on assignment, CPR and First Aid Certification is required within six months of appointment and must be maintained. Other Requirements The probationary period for this class is six (6) months. Must pass background screening on a local, state, and federal level as required by the State of Florida Children and Family Services or Elder Affairs. This position performs safety‑sensitive functions and is subject to pre‑employment and random drug/alcohol testing programs as set forth in the City of Jacksonville’s Drug Free Workplace Policy (Directive 0401). Education and Experience Four years of education and/or experience in determining eligibility for and providing social services or public assistance‑related programs or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in social work, sociology, or psychology is preferred. Veterans Preference Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority. Candidates claiming veteran’s preference must attach a DD‑214 (Member Form‑4 copy) or military discharge papers, or equivalent certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs listing military status, dates of service and character of discharge. Veterans Preference Certification Form and any applicable additional forms may also be required. If a candidate believes they were not afforded veteran’s preference, they may file a written complaint within sixty (60) calendar days upon receipt of notification of the hiring decision to the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Attention: Veterans’ Preference Coordinator, 11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311‑K, Largo, FL 33778‑1630. Email: View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr