Sr. Social Services Assistant - Division

General Summary

Contribute to the delivery of programs and services in Charlottesville that support meeting essential needs, promote self‑sufficiency, and enhance the quality of life for all residents. The Senior Social Services Assistant
, assigned to the DSS Benefits Division, performs complex technical, administrative and customer service support functions related to the determination of eligibility and ongoing service delivery to individuals and families. The position advises, trains, and may provide guidance to Social Services Assistants and Customer Service Representatives. Work is performed under the general direction of and reports to the Operations Supervisor.

Preferred hiring amount: $22.55 – $28.29 per hour ($46,904 – $58,843.20 annually). This full‑time, non‑exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer‑paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance and professional development opportunities. The City of Charlottesville also offers the following retirement benefits:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan:
  Monthly benefit calculated from earnings history, years of service and age. 5‑year vesting period; employee contributes 5% of salary.
• Defined Contribution 401(a) Plan:
  Employer contributions to an individual account with investment options. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years. No employee contribution required.
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan.

Other benefits include: life insurance (double annual salary to beneficiary), long‑term disability (up to 60% of earnings after a 90‑day wait), voluntary accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, short‑term disability, identity theft protection, and optional vision coverage.

• Prepare weekly team statistics and notify relevant individuals of work progress.
• Assist applicants, clients, and staff in completing forms and documents through in‑person interviews and reviewing applications.
• Search federal, state, and local information systems to set up client records and make assignments.
• Review case forms and documents for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to policies.
• Interpret and make determinations based on established policies and regulations.
• Assist with or resolve non‑routine or difficult situations based on knowledge of policies and procedures.
• Schedule appointments for applicants and ongoing clients as needed.
• Monitor incoming paperwork, including electronic sources, and assign cases to appropriate staff.
• Provide information on policies, procedures, payments, services, and application requirements to employees, vendors, agencies, courts, and the public.
• Analyze administrative functions and provide feedback to improve processes or resolve issues.
• Maintain and monitor filing systems and records according to established guidelines.
• Collect information to prepare special and periodic reports and interpret and organize resource information.
• Serve as Lead Social Services Assistant by supporting, training, and advising staff on complex and/or sensitive situations.
• Provide coverage for support positions as needed.
• Analyze short‑term administrative needs of the unit (e.g., status of supplies and equipment, work orders).
• Respond upon activation from the City Manager regarding the Continuity of Operations Plan and/or Emergency Operations Plan.
• Appropriately use and maintain city equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

• May exercise general supervision in the absence of the supervisor.
• May maintain information security.
• Perform additional duties to support operational requirements as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED plus two (2) years of clerical or administrative support work that included face‑to‑face customer service experience.

• Associate’s Degree or certificate in a human services field.
• Two (2) years…