Social Services Representative

This position is located in the Office of the Chief of Staff & Special Initiatives, Office of Administrative Review and Appeals (OARA). The Economic Security Administration (ESA) within the Department of Human Services (DHS) is responsible for administering public assistance programs in the District of Columbia, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) (formerly food stamps), TANF, Medical Assistance, General Assistance to Children (GA-C), Burial Assistance, Interim Disability Assistance (IDA), and Refugee Assistance Programs for eligibility determination and provision of benefits. This office also receives and distributes all requests for hearings in the District of the Office of Administrative Hearings. The Social Services Representative conducts case reviews and informal administrative conferences with DC resident applicants or recipients (customers) of ESA programs, to address complaints concerning benefit eligibility determinations by ESA staff. Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent reviews all pertinent information affecting benefits decisions under the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) (formerly food stamps), TANF, Medical Assistance, General Assistance to Children, Burial Assistance, Interim Disability Assistance (IDA), and Refugee Assistance Programs. Schedules and conducts conferences related to the administrative reviews, monitors ESA compliance with federal and District legislations and regulations, and prepares reports based upon data generated through the appeals process to inform management of significant program operational issues. The Social Services Representative ensures that various public assistance programs in the District of Columbia as listed above are consistent with and in compliance with governing Federal and District laws and administrative regulations. Conduct in-depth informal and non-adversarial case record reviews and conferences based upon individual requests submitted by impacted applicants, recipients, or customers with complaints or concerns attempting to determine the factual basis for the approval or denial of various public assistance benefits administered by ESA staff. Reviews specific information included in the review process to determine the appropriateness of the approval or denial of benefits by ESA. Prepares written summary of the findings of review. As requested, be able to provide staff consultations, technical assistance and recommendations for any necessary staff training. Notify the applicant, recipient or customer of review findings, and provide recommendations for corrective case actions as needed and provide next steps information should applicant, recipient of customer choose to request a formal review. Qualifications and Education One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower level in the normal line of progression is qualifying for positions above the GS-5 level. Specialized experience is experience in a program of direct social welfare services that required the application of program policy and operations knowledge in providing social welfare services and/or assisting social workers. Licenses and Certifications N/A Working Conditions/Environment The work is primarily performed in the normal office setting. Other Significant Facts Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0101-12 Promotion Potential: No promotion potential Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement represented by AFSCME 2401 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through direct payroll deduction. Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as emergency. Employees occupying positions designated as Emergency are required to: Provide advice, recommendations, and/or specific functional support necessary for the continuity of operations during a declared emergency. Remain at their duty station, or alternate work location (approved by their supervisor), if activated, when a situation or condition occurs and results in early dismissal for nonessential/non-emergency employees. Report to their duty station, when activated, on time and as scheduled when a situation or condition occurs during non-work hours, and results in the late arrival or closing of District government offices for non-essential/non-emergency employees. Telework during a declared emergency, instead of remaining or reporting to his or her duty station, if directed by the agency head (or designee), supervisor or manager. Carry or wear their official District government ID card during the period of the declared emergency, if not teleworking. Position Designation: This position has been deemed Security Sensitive under the guideline of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of their tenure. EEO Statement The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor. #J-18808-Ljbffr DC Government