Self-Sufficiency Specialist I (Petersburg)

Titles Description

Self-Sufficiency Specialist I represent 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. Employees are dedicated wholly to Employment Services or to a combination of Benefits and Employment Services.

General Work Tasks:

• 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 childcare 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.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of basic human behavior.
• Mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems.
• Interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation.

Skills:

• Skill in operating a personal computer.
• The associated office and agency software.

Abilities:

• 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.

Education and Experience- 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.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants may be 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), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

This position is covered under Code of Virginia 563.2-1601.1 or 563.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.

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.

Please refer back to your account for updates on the status of your application.