Self Sufficiency Specialist-Southbridge

Self Sufficiency Specialist-Southbridge

The Department of Transitional Assistance is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Self Sufficiency Specialist. Our ideal candidate will assess the needs of and provide intensive support, targeted training and employment assistance to clients with significant barriers to employment or self-sufficiency. DTA attracts people passionate about public service who love to work in a fast-paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

• Provide case management to high-risk clients, including teen parents, individuals with mental health and substance abuse concerns, physical and cognitive limitations, and those in homeless or domestic violence situations.
• Maintain working knowledge of locally available programs relative to the Employment Service Program and Young Parents Program.
• Coordinate with the Department of Children and Families to provide referrals to Teen Parenting Programs as needed.
• Determine initial and ongoing eligibility for transitional assistance programs and employment services.
• Conduct interactive interviews and obtain and verify client information.
• Calculate accurate benefit levels and issue appropriate benefit authorizations.
• Perform all tasks related to case maintenance and case management, including referrals to other state agencies, health care providers, and other sources as necessary.
• Prepare and deliver explanations of eligibility decisions.
• Evaluate and monitor high-risk client cases to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Deliver those services required to assist individuals and families in transitioning to work.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the social and economic problems of the diverse client population and the related impact on employability and self-sufficiency.
• Knowledge of referral sources available for providing services to clients, including available community support and social services resources.
• Knowledge of the principles and correct usage of the English language involved in writing narratives, including grammar, spelling, sentence structure, word meaning and punctuation.
• High level personal computer skills and more in-depth knowledge of various software options.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics, interviewing techniques, and the use of PCs.
• Ability to understand and explain laws, rules, policies and procedures relating to agency operations and eligibility for financial assistance.
• Ability to gather and assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to acquire information on local labor market conditions and the content of a wide variety of occupations.
• Advanced knowledge and skill in the use of the principles and methods of employment counseling and employment placement.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise and logical narratives and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to determine the applicability of client data, draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, including the exercise of discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to assess and prioritize tasks and demonstrate problem solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of career and educational counseling theories.
• Prior case management experience with high-risk clients.
• Proven ability to problem solve and motivate clients to achieve self-sufficiency while removing and resolving barriers to employment.
• Prior experience providing support to teen parents while assisting in their developmental needs.
• Commitment to working with diverse populations.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Agency Mission:
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency.

DTA serves one out of every seven people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and…