Welfare Case Worker

Job Summary

The City of Concord Human Services Department is looking for a caring and professional case worker to manage a fast‑paced, dynamic office. Competitive pay and benefits are offered.

Performs specialized duties such as research and gathering data to determine eligibility of applicants for publicly funded assistance. Follows defined policies and procedures in applicant approval.

Pay: $25.50 to $29.57 hourly; top of scale $36.94. First shift, 37.5 hours weekly.

• Review client applications and accompanying documentation and interview applicants to assess personal and financial situation, needs, and eligibility for welfare assistance.
• Assess emergency and crisis situations.
• Contact and act as liaison to landlords, other human services agencies, employers, attorneys, doctors, banks, and other institutions to collect and/or verify information about applicants.
• Develop comprehensive short‑ and long‑term plans for clients to return them to self‑sufficiency through job search, housing search, and budgeting; provide referrals to other social services and benefit programs.
• Answer incoming telephone calls during peak activity times, screen calls, make referrals, provide information, and schedule appointments.
• Assist clients in completing applications for public assistance; monitor client progress through follow‑up appointments; update client files with detailed case notes and organize financial data and payment transactions.
• Locate outside resources and agencies to provide food baskets, Christmas presents, eyeglasses, shoes, and other essentials for families in need.
• Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and inviting other agency staff to train and share knowledge during staff seminars.
• Stock food for pantry; shop for diapers, toilet paper, and other essential personal products; package food in baskets.
• Enforce guidelines when preparing cases for fair hearings, civil judgment cases, or when subpoenaed to court.
• Pursue all forms of reimbursement from SSI, civil lawsuits, Medicaid, and liens.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two‑year college in Liberal Arts, Business Administration, or other related field.
• Two to four years of experience in work requiring considerable public contact and attention to detail, involving use of computers; or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

• Computer, telephone, fax machine, calculator, photocopier, printer.

• Knowledge of New Hampshire Public Welfare laws, availability, and use of community resources; social security, vocational rehabilitation, state welfare programs, and other related resources; modern office methods, procedures, equipment, business letter writing, and standard clerical techniques.
• Skill in typing and operation of computer keyboard to enter and retrieve data; assessing and evaluating individualized situations; interpreting and following local, state, and federal regulations.
• Mental and physical abilities to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; organize and maintain documents and records; interpret departmental policy, procedures and guidelines; write case histories and related reports; deal effectively with psychological and environmental problems arising in connection with case work.
• Establish rapport with clients; deal effectively with other agencies, employees, and the general public; communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing; read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals and journals and government regulations; perform basic arithmetic; solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Perform duties while sitting at desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping; frequently lift light or occasionally heavy objects.

Work performed in an office; employee may be exposed to noise and contagious or infectious diseases.

Our organization is committed to ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, age, religion or other social identities in accordance with state and federal law. We recognize that each individual brings a unique perspective that is informed by their life experience and identity. Our organization is committed to recruiting and retaining the best qualified individuals based on a holistic review of their knowledge, skills, experience, understanding, communication and abilities.

No e‑mail or fax transmissions accepted.