Human Service Worker III

Works within DFS Public Assistance & Employment Services, Long Term Services and Support (LTSS) Unit located in Fairfax, VA. Performs comprehensive assessments for medical and financial needs. Conducts in-depth phone interviews, assists in gathering necessary information, aides in making appropriate referrals, and determines initial and ongoing eligibility for federal and state programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP) and Medicaid.

Works closely with other community partners such as the Community Service Board, and Adult and Aging. Applies, explains and interprets highly complex federal, state, and local policies to clients, service providers, attorneys, the public, and other interested parties. Works with clients to assist with gathering of information necessary to establish eligibility. Works in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines, high caseloads and competing priorities.

Performs needs assessment of clients to aid in making appropriate referrals to other services. Uses complex state and local IT systems as well as Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word software in their daily work to document, obtain, and verify information, and to generate reports.

Note:

This job announcement will be used to fill multiple full-time Human Service Worker III positions.

The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.

• Maintains knowledge of current public assistance and employment policies and applies, explains and interprets complex federal, state, and local policies to clients, service providers, attorneys, the public, and other interested parties;
• Conducts in-depth interviews of clients to determine and reassess eligibility of clients for financial, publicly supported medical services and/or medical public assistance programs;
• Performs client needs assessment to aid in making appropriate referrals to other services;
• Works with clients to assist with gathering of information necessary to establish eligibility;
• Compiles and maintains data and documents and may prepare written narratives to support eligibility determinations;
• Ensures timely processing of applications to meet client needs and program policy mandates;
• Authorizes public assistance (e.g., medical aid, financial assistance, food stamps) based on client circumstances and public assistance program requirements;
• Uses various forms of automated technology to document, obtain, and verify information, to generate reports, and to authorize benefits and services for clients, service providers, attorneys, the public, and other interested parties;
• Assists clients in obtaining the resources necessary to meet emergency needs;
• Assists clients in obtaining services and coordinates these with other service providers as needed;
• Coordinates and manages clients' participation in a variety of services;
• Participates in case staffings with other county staff or community organizations to assess and address needs of clients;
• Prepares appeal documents and may represent the agency in administrative appeals filed by clients;
• Provides guidance and assistance to employers and clients in the operation of an employment resource center;
• Performs employability assessment of economically disadvantaged clients to develop a plan of service to aid them in securing employment;
• Works with clients to identify and address barriers to employment;
• Provides career counseling;
• Assists job seekers with job search and resume development;
• Participates in curriculum development, facilitates workshops, and works with businesses and workforce partners in response to customer needs;
• Plans and participates in orientations and workforce related workshops;
• Identifies, recruits and develops job opportunities with employers to place program participants including job sites for community work experience and on-the-job training;
• Tracks, monitors, and reports on employment resource center resources, job leads and employment databases;
• Develops marketing and presentation materials for the business community, the…