Introduction
The
State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (
DSS), is recruiting for 2 full time Eligibility Services Specialists in the Temporary Family Assistance Program at our Norwich location. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Selection Plan
In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department of Social Services who has permanent state status*, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
If selected to interview, please provide your last 2 service ratings and last 2 years of attendance records at the time of interview.
Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Robin Stewart, robin.stewart@ct.gov, 860-823-5070.
*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period. For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Social Services and the Department of Children and Families, this class is accountable for acting as a working supervisor and policy specialist in the provision of eligibility services to clients of the department's various assistance programs and may provide a broad range of client services and economic support aimed at maintaining or achieving a client's full potential for self-direction, self reliance and independent living.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Plans unit workflow and determines priorities; schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work; establishes and maintains unit procedures; provides staff training and assistance including monitoring and assessing current and projected needs; provides technical and procedural support to staff; conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; acts as liaison with operating units, agencies and outside officials such as third party providers, social services agencies and attorneys regarding unit policies and procedures; makes recommendations on policies or standards; prepares reports and correspondence; acts as liaison with Eligibility Services Supervisor concerning unit training needs, practical program implementation problems and effectiveness of unit workflow procedures; acts as unit policy specialist in difficult, unusual and/or complex case resolution; facilitates the resolution of systems and data problems; provides eligibility services and/or vocational services to clients assigned to individual caseload; conducts in-depth interviews with applicants experiencing difficulty in meeting program eligibility requirements; evaluates clients' financial needs and stabilizes economic situation by providing necessary assistance and services; periodically reviews eligibility to ensure correct benefits level; may be responsible for agency components of client Independence Plans; conducts comprehensive social services assessment to identify potential barriers to employability; provides necessary eligibility, employment and supportive services to reduce barriers and promote self sufficiency; may provide client orientation to agency programs and support services; monitors client progress with employability plan and takes appropriate actions including conciliation and/or sanctioning; may make presentations within agency and/or community; performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of available community support and social services resources; considerable knowledge of common individual and/or family financial practices and investments; considerable knowledge of Eligibility Management System; knowledge of counseling and interviewing techniques; knowledge of employment problems of economically disadvantaged and issues which are barriers to employment; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; interviewing skills; problem solving skills; training ability; ability to maintain client records and prepare reports; some supervisory ability.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Six (6) years of experience in the determination of client eligibility for public assistance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the level of Eligibility Services Worker.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in a closely related area may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.