HUMAN SERVICE SPECIALIST III

Department of Human Services

Social Service Administration

Title IV-E Determination Unit

1510 Guilford Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21202

This position reviews Foster Care cases to determine client eligibility for Title IV-E Federal Funding for the Department of Human Services, Social Services Administration. The position will be primarily located in Baltimore City Department of Social Services. The incumbent in this position functions as a Title IV-E Specialist to ensure compliance with Federal laws, rules and regulations for the delivery of services; and reviews out-of-home Foster Care placements to ensure that a positive eligibility determination is made for children who are eligible to receive Title IV-E funding.

This position completes retroactive and prospective federal claim adjustments; works independently to determine eligibility based on State and Federal regulations and policies; and decides on appropriate funding adjustments to the States accounting records. This is a highly proficient level position, which requires the ability to work independently and have a thorough knowledge of State and Federal regulations to assure the maximum allowable federal fund reimbursement is received for the delivery of child welfare service.

This position completes initial eligibility determinations for children entering out-of-home care; utilizes several databases such as:  Maryland Children Electronic Social Service Information Exchange (MD CHESSIE), Maryland Automated Benefit System (MABS), State Verification Exchange System (SVES), and Client Automated Resource and Eligibility System (CARES) to obtain, verify, and assess information including supporting documentation to determine and meet federal eligibility requirements; completes IV-E Redetermination at 180 days for voluntary placement cases to ensure unique federal requirements for continued eligibility; completes Applicable Child Assessments, Adoption Subsidy Eligibility Determinations and Guardianship Assistance Eligibility Determinations.

This position updates and inputs accurate data into the MD CHESSIE database; maintains supporting documentation for determinations that meet Federal standards; collects, compiles and researches data including court orders, and other pertinent legal documents that assist in making accurate eligibility determinations; applies Federal and State policies and procedures in order to determine eligibility; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Applicants must meet all minimum and selective qualifications (see section below) to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.

EDUCATION: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience in the administration of a human services program or experience conducting studies and analyses of programs, procedures, practices and organizations.

NOTES:

1. Additional professional or technical experience in the administration of a human services program or experience conducting studies and analyses of programs, procedures, practices and organizations may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. Education at the graduate level at an accredited college or university in a human services related field may be substituted at the rate of 30 semester hours per year for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Administrative Officer classifications or Administrative Officer specialty codes in the General, Administrative, Clerical, and Officer Services field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.  

Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

If not using the education substitution, one year of required experience must have been in a child welfare program or in a federal compliance program (such as FIA, TANF, Child Care, MSDE) for a public or private organization.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

1. Six months of the required experience utilizing one or more of the following systems:  Client Information System (CIS); Maryland Children's Electronic Social Services Information Exchange (MDCHESSIE); Client Automated Resources and Eligibility System (CARES); State Verification Exchange System (SVES); Maryland Automated Benefit System (MABS); or QUEST (Baltimore City Court System); Client Information System (CIS); or Foster Care and Adoption Tracking System (FACTS) 

2. Two years experience in the administration of a federal compliance program at the state or local government level.

3. One year of experience using Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, or Google systems (including Drive, Docs, and SmartSheet)

4. Strong written and oral communication skills.

5. Experience prioritizing and multi-tasking effectively.

6. Flexibility in a busy environment.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.

All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. 

Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position. 

You may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire.  The supplemental questionnaire may be used as part of the rating process.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service is required prior to hire. 

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred.  If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to, Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, 311 W. Saratoga Street, Room 134, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. All mailed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by 5 P.M on the closing date.  Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application.   

Please upload any requested supporting documentation. Resumes are not required. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-0882. 

Only additional materials that are requested will be accepted for this recruitment. If you have any questions concerning the recruitment process for this position, please call 410-767-7414.  TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.    

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.   

People with disabilities and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.  

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.