Sr. Social Services Assistant - Division

Contribute to the delivery of programs and services in Charlottesville that support meeting essential needs, which promote self‑sufficiency, and that enhance the quality of life for all residents in our community.

Senior Social Services Assistant assigned to the DSS Benefits Division performs complex technical, administrative and customer service support functions related to the process of determining eligibility and ongoing service delivery to individuals and families. This position advises, trains, and may provide guidance to Social Services Assistants (SSA), Customer Service Representatives (CSR)/front desk staff. Work is performed under the general direction of and reports to the Operations Supervisor.

Preferred hiring amount is between $22.55 - $28.29 ($46,904.00 - $58,843.20 Annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. 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.

This position is also eligible for the following retirement benefits:

• Choice of retirement plan:
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5‑year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
  • Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the “Benefits” tab within this posting or visit the City’s Employee Benefits webpage.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Prepares weekly team statistics and notifies relevant individuals of work progress.
• Assists applicants, clients, and staff in completing forms and other documents primarily through in‑person interviews, screening and reviewing applications and records verifying information.
• Searches federal, state, and local information systems to set up client records and make assignments.
• Reviews case forms and other documents for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to policies and regulations.
• Interprets and makes determinations based on established policies, precedents, and administrative regulations.
• Assists with or resolves non‑routine/difficult situations based on knowledge and interpretation of established policies and procedures.
• Schedules appointments for applicants, ongoing clients, and others when needed.
• Monitors incoming paperwork including electronic sources and assigns cases to appropriate staff.
• Provides information on policies, procedures, payments, services and application requirements to other employees, vendors, agencies, the courts, and the public.
• Analyzes administrative functions and provides feedback to supervisor on departmental policies and procedures to improve processes or resolve issues.
• Maintains and monitors filing systems and records according to established guidelines.
• Collects information to prepare special and periodic reports and to interpret and organize resource information.
• May serve as lead Social Services Assistant by supporting, training, and…