Self- Sufficiency Specialist II

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

Title 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 II is distinguished from the Self-Sufficiency Specialist III by the latter’s performing advanced technical work requiring depth and breadth of knowledge to understand, analyze and act as a technical resource for others on social services’ eligibility and employment programs. 

Hiring Range: $ 39,031– 80,000 (depending on qualifications and budgetary considerations)

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

The Self-Sufficiency Specialist II performs a higher level of technical, administrative, counseling, and case management duties for an assigned caseload of clients served by York-Poquoson Department of Social Services. Programs include SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, Childcare, and VIEW.

• 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. 

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. 
• Employee must be willing to work in the community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
• Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

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.