FAMILY INVESTMENT SPECIALIST III LEAD

The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state’s primary social service provider, serving over one million Marylanders annually.  The Department, through its 24 local departments of social services, aggressively pursues opportunities to assist people in economic need, provide preventive services, and protect vulnerable children and adults in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.  DHS works in every community in Maryland to positively impact the lives of Marylanders.

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A Family Investment Specialist III Lead is the lead level of work providing specialized services in eligibility determination or quality assurance review of customer eligibility for Family Investment Administration (FIA) programs in a local Department of Social Services.  Employees in this classification interview customers, explain program requirements and options, verify information, determine category of eligibility, assist customers in resolving problems and handle the disposition of routine and complex cases.

Assigns and reviews the work of and trains lower-level Family Investment Specialists for completeness, accuracy, application of and compliance with State and federal policies, procedures, laws, rules and regulations;

Interviews customers to determine eligibility and need for FIA programs;

Elicits information as to family composition, employment, health status, financial obligations, parental status and living arrangements;

Explains program requirements and procedures to individuals or in a group setting;

Checks public records, such as birth records and real estate transactions;

Contacts individuals, employers, landlords, attorneys, financial institutions, medical offices, and government and community agencies to obtain, verify or clarify information required for eligibility determinations, such as income, resources, residency and household composition;

Determines program eligibility in accordance with federal, State and local laws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations;

Calculates incomes and resources to establish benefit level;

Records and updates information in automated databases and classifies and codes errors for statistical analysis;

Contacts customers regarding discrepancies and refers questionable cases to the fraud unit for further follow-up;

Provides information on and makes referrals to service agencies, organizations and vendors for appropriate services to meet customer health, housing, food, employment, child care and transportation needs;

Monitors progress and applies appropriate sanctions when necessary;

Provides basic counseling and problem solving support;

Serves as an advocate on behalf of customers;

May make visits to customers’ homes to gather information;

May give testimony of case study findings at hearings, appeals and court hearings as a representative of the Department;

Performs other related duties.

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

EDUCATION: An Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience determining eligibility for governmental assistance programs.

NOTES:

1. Candidates may substitute additional experience determining eligibility for governmental assistance programs on a year-for-year basis for up to two years of the required education.

2. These requirements are established by the Family Investment Administration by authority provided in Human Services Article Title 5, Subtitle 2, Section 204 (b)(1) of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The Office of Personnel Services and Benefits of the Department of Budget and Management and the Examination Services Unit of the Maryland Department of Human Services do not have the authority to accept substitutions or equivalents.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

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

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. 

It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

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.

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS:   STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

·       Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).

·       Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.

·       Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.  

·       Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

·       Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.  

·       Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.

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 135, 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. 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.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If unable to upload, please email requested information only to scott.waddel@maryland.gov. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.

If you have any questions concerning the recruitment process for this position, please email Scott Waddel at scott.waddel@maryland.gov.  

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

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 candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.