Human Services Technician

Position Details

Under limited supervision, performs regular software support for county human service department use of multiple state-run systems and general computer programs. Provides training to department employees and troubleshooting support. Serves as the department liaison with state-run human services helpdesks. Generates reports that can be used to verify that work performed by users has been entered and meets required timelines. Works as the agency's Title IV-E liaison to ensure that funding is properly claimed.

Prepares agency service arrangements and works with accounting to ensure that county vendors are properly paid. Serves as the local trainer and help resource for state systems.

• Remains current with updates in state systems; attends conference calls or webinars and reads bulletins.
• Provides individual and group training on use of state and departmental software;
• Prepares training materials that can be used as reference guides by users;
• Explains log-in and security procedures to individuals or groups and answers questions of individuals.
• Communicates the expected time for system updates that may require a change in user procedure.
• Performs data entry into multiple county and state computer systems and retrieves information from those systems; distributes system generated activity reports to the appropriate persons for verification.
• Monitors SSIS information for completeness and accuracy.
• Interprets/explains system use rules, manual material, and policy or informational bulletins to staff.
• Creates service arrangements and works with accounting to ensure that service providers are properly paid for work performed for the County.
• Acts as the liaison to the Social Security Administration for Title IV-E of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 671-679b), which is an important funding stream for foster care and related costs for Freeborn County.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

• Ability to work with limited supervision to carry out the established objectives of the job;
• Ability to analyze problems, describe problems to state helpdesk staff and implement recommended solutions;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, state helpdesk, co-workers and agency administration;
• Ability to effectively explain the operations of systems to new and existing department staff; ability to organize and conduct training when changes are implemented;
• Ability to handle frequent procedural changes and client personal and financial crises;
• Ability to accurately and rapidly process detailed information and locate errors and omissions that could impact department operations;
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate and systematic records;
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Requires a high school diploma;
• Requires one year of technical or office clerical experience.

• Certifications for access to state systems.

Positions in this job typically require: prolonged periods of sitting. The job requires feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. There is frequent exposure to computer keyboards and display screens. This position requires intermittent exertion up to 25 pounds of force and the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and move objects. This position must occasionally work with a high level of detail or deadlines.

There is occasional exposure to pressure from department staff to resolve problems quickly.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in an office environment.

This position must frequently use a computer, phone, copier, printer and other normal office equipment.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate…