Human Services Specialist Senior

General Statement of Duties

Determines initial and continuing eligibility of economically disadvantaged individuals and families for the full range of federal, state and local public assistance, services and benefit programs; manages a full caseload, including cases requiring advanced program knowledge; completes interviews and assessments of clients to identify appropriate programs and assistance to aid in their effort to achieve a self-sufficiency; serves as a resource to other Human Services Specialist and services staff; routinely exercises independent judgment to make accurate determinations and recommendations for complex eligibility and services, especially as related to evaluation of socioeconomic factors influencing eligibility; does related work as required.

Essential Duties

Determines initial and continuing eligibility of individuals and families for the full range of federal, state and local public assistance benefit programs (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, General Relief, Refugee, Energy, LTC including Auxiliary Grants). Manages a full caseload, completes interviews and assessments of clients to identify appropriate programs and assistance. Routinely exercises independent judgment to interpret Federal, State and Local policies to make accurate eligibility determinations.

• Requires basic understanding of human needs and of individual differences.
• Basic knowledge of interviewing techniques and skills in interviewing to elicit needed information from applicants and recipients.
• Excellent organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to plan and execute work effectively and in accordance with applicable requirements and deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining the integrity of time sensitive documents and ability to make accurate mathematical computations.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret complex public assistance program policies and regulations.
• Basic critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to appropriately solve a variety of routine questions and issues within established policies, guidelines, requirements and procedures.
• Ability to collect, research, verify, enter and maintain data accurately in various systems inherent to assigned duties.
• Ability to maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality of client information.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer services skills with the ability to express self tactfully, clearly and positively, often in stressful situations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively to establish and maintain a good working relationships with applicants and recipients, colleagues, department staff, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills with ability to use typical business software, proprietary software and applications for data management and reporting.
• Must be able to represent the County positively and appropriately with customers and stakeholders.
• May require the ability to work a flexible schedule as needed.