SELF- SUFFICIENCY SPECIALIST I/II

Hiring Range: $35,452 to Commensurate with experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

King and Queen County is seeking a compassionate Self-Sufficiency Specialist I/II seeking to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families. Are you looking for a flexible work environment in a rural county where you can do meaningful work helping people everyday? Do you thrive in a team-based approach to human services? Do you want to work with a community of dedicated professionals? If you do, we are looking for you. This is an opportunity to work in a county that appreciates their employees and values excellent service to their residents. Our ideal candidate will work well independently and collaboratively with a team, demonstrate a passion for working with the community and a desire to help people achieve their goal of becoming self-sufficient. This position offers the option of telework.

Self-Sufficiency Specialist I represents the entry level and the Self-Sufficiency Specialist II represents the full performance level in the Self-Sufficiency Specialist occupational group for employees. This position is 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. The Specialist must explain the employment services program to clients, make assessments of customer needs, and develop employment plans, utilizing job search, work experience, education and training. The Specialist establishes and monitors self-sufficiency goals through information and assessment of customer background and monitors case reports/records in accordance with regulations.

Self-Sufficiency Specialist I - 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 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;

Self-Sufficiency Specialist II - General Work Tasks

* Explains the employment services program;
* Handles intake for both the eligibility and services programs; Assesses customer needs and develops employment/child care plans;
* Develops/Conducts Job Search and Job Readiness workshops;
* Establishes and monitors self-sufficiency goals;
* 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;
* Identifies possible fraud and makes appropriate referrals;
* Identifies clearly discernible social problems and makes referrals to Social Workers;
* Gives applicants or recipients information about other agencies where they may go for services they seek and are able to utilize without explanation or supportive services.

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 the 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 sounds judgment, discretion, tact and resourceful 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

Training and/or experience in benefits programs, Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare Program, Child Care Program, Virginia Automated Case Management System, and/or experience working in a Local Department of Social Services.

Degree in Human Services or related field.

Experience working in an employment program.

Demonstrated ability to assist clients with the development of employment skills.

Special Requirements

All applicants are subject to a DMV driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, and CPS and criminal history search. The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks requested by the hiring authority. Employee must be willing to work in community emergency response capacity in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Based on the response to this posting, this position may be filled as a Self-Sufficiency Specialist I or a Self-Sufficiency II. Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience and qualifications on the application. Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. The website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume. Please refer to your account for the status of your application and this position. This position is open until filled but applications received before March 17, 2024 will be given priority.

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