Self-Sufficiency Specialist I/II

Employer Description

VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside nearly 13,000 state and local human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginias most vulnerable citizen have access to best services and benefits available to them.

Job Description:

A Self-Sufficiency Specialist determines eligibility for a variety of entitlement programs offered by Social Services. Proficiency in the Virginia Case Management System (VaCMS) is a critical component of this position. The Self-Sufficiency Specialist is proficient in determining eligibility in Medicaid, Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program with the Virginia Initiative for Education & Work (VIEW) component as well as childcare. 

The Self-Sufficiency Specialist I represents the entry level in the Self-Sufficiency occupational group for employees working under direct supervision of the Benefit Programs Supervisor while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of entitlement programs as well as assessing employability of clients to aid in their effort to achieve self-sufficiency.   

The Self-Sufficiency Specialist II represents the full performance level in the occupational group for Self-Sufficiency Specialist responsible for the same duties as the Self-Sufficiency Specialist I with this individual being able to perform the duties of the position within the established policies, procedures, and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgement, especially as related to evaluation of certain social factors influencing eligibility and employment. Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Process TANF, SNAP, Families & Children Medicaid and childcare applications, renewals and changes. 
• For customers required to participate in VIEW, needs will be assessed, and service plans will be developed utilizing job search, work experience, education and training. 
• Determine childcare needs for customers requesting assistance. Prepare purchase of service orders and processes childcare invoices to ensure fiscal funds are accurately appropriated.
• Reassess customers at prescribed intervals to ensure that they are making satisfactory progress in the VIEW program and to monitor their work/educational status
• Communicate with customers to collect needed information for case records and answer questions/concerns. Reported changes will be addressed timely. Initiate and impose sanctions for non-compliance with program requirements and/or the established self-sufficiency plan.
• Promote employment service programs and maintain contact with community agencies to coordinate delivery of services. Explore opportunities for employment to divert the customer’s need for public assistance. Assign customers to various employment service program components. 

When activated by the County Administrator, must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter. 

The Self-Sufficiency Specialist II would be able to complete tasks noted above independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma supplemented with additional training and related work experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Experience determining eligibility for SNAP and Families and Children’s Medicaid.
• Some knowledge of basic human behavior.
• Ability to perform mathematic calculations to include percentages, formulas and averages
• Conduct interviews for the purpose of gathering information, evaluating situations, and analyzing information.
• Skilled in operating a personal computer.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions.
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions.
• Utilize various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access and retrieve data, create reports and manipulate data.
• Maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful conditions.

Preferred Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field. 
• Experience determining eligibility for TANF, VIEW, and childcare. 
• Experience with Virginia Social Services computer systems to include VaCMS, SPIDeR, MMIS, and SVES. 
• Experience working in an employment program. 
• Knowledge of policy/procedure interpretation and the ability to explain complex information to customers. 
• Demonstrate ability to assist customers with personal development and employment skills. 
• Work successfully as a team member but also independently to accomplish tasks. 
• Develop and maintain positive professional working relationships both internally and with community partners and organizations.

Special Requirements

• Applicants are subject to a Criminal History Background search, including an FBI Fingerprint Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check 
• All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screening. 

Special Instructions

• Applications for this position must be submitted through this website.
• Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.
• Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application/resume.

APPLICANT MUST INCLUDE COMPLETE WORK HISTORY WITH DETAILED JOB DUTIES OR TASKS   

• If applicable, include periods of unemployment.

This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

Based on the response to this posting, this position may be filled as a Self-Sufficiency Specialist I or a Self-Sufficiency Specialist II.