What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Services Assistant - Benefits Division position at City of Charlottesville?
The City of Charlottesville - Department of Social Services is seeking candidates to be considered for Social Services Assistant - Benefits Division who are highly motivated and who strive for success by demonstrating Charlottesville's Core Values of Commitment, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Collaboration.
The preferred hiring amount is between $20.45 - $24.63 Hourly ($42,536.00 - $51,230.40 Annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position. The position also provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, and continuing education/training opportunities.
- For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
- The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. If questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.
This position performs technical, administrative and customer service support functions related to the programs and services administered by the department. Performs support functions in the paperwork and process of determining eligibility and ongoing service delivery to individuals and families. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Supervisor or Lead Worker. Position requires working knowledge of agency standards, policies and functions, but defers final decisions and resolution of difficult or complex problems to a Supervisor or Lead Worker. Does all related work as required. May be asked to work during emergency operations as outlined in the Social Services Department continuity of operations plan.
- Assists applicants, clients, and staff in completing forms and other documents primarily through in-person interviews.
- Screens and reviews applications and other records. Verifies information through collateral contacts and available computer system searches.
- Searches federal, state and local information systems. Uses information to set up client records and assign applications and records as appropriate.
- Performs data entry.
- Schedules appointments for applicants, ongoing clients, and others when needed.
- Reviews case forms and other documents for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to policies and regulations.
- Opens, and closes cases for a variety of eligibility and services programs; assigns cases to appropriate staff as applicable.
- Provides basic, ongoing maintenance for cases for a variety of eligibility program.
Provides information on policies, procedures, payments, services and application requirements to other employees, vendors, agencies, the courts, and the public. - Collects information and compiles data for preparation of special and periodic reports and/or assessments and reassessments.
- Maintains filing systems and assists in purging of case files.
- Provides administrative support such as preparing and distributing documents and files for Foster Care, Comprehensive Services Act (CSA), the Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare (VIEW), and other programs.
- Provides coverage for client entry, CSA, and other program support positions/duties.
- May maintain information security, building maintenance, and vehicle maintenance reports. Vehicle Maintenance may include but are not limited to: checking mileage, following up on faulty equipment, and driving vehicle to and from the City Yard for repairs and maintenance.
- Assists with fraud investigation activities as required.
- Assists in the development of office procedures and operates a variety of office technology.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimally requires a high school diploma or GED.
- Minimum of one (1) year of clerical or administrative support work experience is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- An Associate's degree or certificate in human services is preferred.
- Preference for one (1) year of work experience in a social services agency.
Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia is highly preferred. (To view our driving eligibility requirements, visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/faq.aspx?qid=166.).
Skills:
Understanding of basic human needs and of individual differences, knowledge of interviewing techniques and skill in interviewing and eliciting needed information from clients; ability to comprehend, interpret, apply and communicate policies and regulations; ability to follow instructions; skill in scheduling and managing workload to meet deadlines; good knowledge of and proven skill in the use of a computer and the ability to learn and effectively use agency's systems and software; proven customer service skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, associates and the public; ability to work collaboratively in a team setting; ability to express self tactfully, clearly and positively; ability to plan and execute work effectively; good organizational skills; ability to multi-task while maintaining the integrity of time sensitive documents; ability to exercise good judgment, tact and resourcefulness in meeting problems and situations; ability to effectively apply acquired knowledge of human behavior and social functioning; ability to make mathematical computations; ability to gather facts and to report them accurately; ability to read, understand and interpret complex social services policies and regulations and the ability to communicate them to others.
Understanding of basic human needs and of individual differences, knowledge of interviewing techniques and skill in interviewing and eliciting needed information from clients; ability to comprehend, interpret, apply and communicate policies and regulations; ability to follow instructions; skill in scheduling and managing workload to meet deadlines; good knowledge of and proven skill in the use of a computer and the ability to learn and effectively use agency's systems and software; proven customer service skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, associates and the public; ability to work collaboratively in a team setting; ability to express self tactfully, clearly and positively; ability to plan and execute work effectively; good organizational skills; ability to multi-task while maintaining the integrity of time sensitive documents; ability to exercise good judgment, tact and resourcefulness in meeting problems and situations; ability to effectively apply acquired knowledge of human behavior and social functioning; ability to make mathematical computations; ability to gather facts and to report them accurately; ability to read, understand and interpret complex social services policies and regulations and the ability to communicate them to others.
A pre-hire background check will be conducted on all candidates who are selected for employment with the Department of Social Services. It will include a criminal record check and a child abuse/neglect registry search. Additionally, a driving record check and education verification may be conducted if applicable.
Please note: The Charlottesville Department of Social Services is unable to hire any applicant, intern, or volunteer if the criminal record check reveals a conviction for, or arrest awaiting final disposition of a barrier crime as set forth in § 63.2-1719 of the Code of Virginia. Please click here for the list of barrier crimes: http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/63.2-1719/
Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment. Physical demands outside of a standard office environment include ability to lift up to 20 lbs. Frequent contact with the public requiring the ability to hear and communicate effectively with or without accommodation.
Salary : $42,536 - $51,230
