Self Sufficiency Specialist

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description
- Self Sufficiency Specialist-Southbridge )

Job Description

Self Sufficiency Specialist-Southbridge - (  )

Description

The Department of Transitional Assistance is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Self Sufficiency Specialist
.

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.

• 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.

• Knowledge of the social and economic problems of the diverse client population and the related impact on employability and self-sufficiency.
• Knowledge of the 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.

• 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,…