Self-Sufficiency Specialist I/II

Self-Sufficiency Specialist I represents the entry level in the occupational group for employees working under close supervision while being trained in determining eligibility for a variety of social services government assistance programs. Upon recommendation by the supervisor, approval by the director, and successful completion of the training program, the employee shall be redefined to full-performance Self-Sufficiency Specialist II with a corresponding salary increase as indicated by the local department's compensation plan. Self-Sufficiency Specialist I is distinguished from the Self-Sufficiency Specialist II by the latter's performing all the assigned eligibility duties independently and making judgments following agency practices and procedures and mandated federal, state, or local laws and policies. Self-Sufficiency Specialist II represents the full performance level in the Self-Sufficiency Specialist occupational group. Employees' responsibilities are related to the determination and re-determination of eligibility of individuals and families for financial assistance, food stamps, medical assistance, and for other social services' benefit programs. The work is performed within established policies, procedures and guidelines, but certain aspects of eligibility determination require independent judgment, especially as related to evaluation of social factors influencing eligibility. Employees seek supervisory help for difficult or unusual situations only. 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 on complex cases. Also, the Self-Sufficiency Specialist III serves as a technical resource for others regarding social services' eligibility programs. General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only)

• Explains the employment services program Makes assessments of customer needs and develops employment plans, utilizing job search, work experience, education and training.

Establishes and monitors self-sufficiency goals through information and assessment of customer background. Monitors case reports/records in accordance with regulations. Explains the child care program and makes assessments of customer needs. Interviews persons for assistance, obtains necessary information; Explains nature of temporary assistance benefit programs and determines reasons and need for assistance; Processes applications for financial assistance and diversion; Determines eligibility for assistance and benefit levels using automated systems and manual methods; Evaluates employability status of clients and explores potential sources of income; Explains client responsibilities, rights and program availability; Refers clients to service worker as the result of overall assessment of situation; Prepares reports and maintains client records; Knowledge

• Some knowledge of: basic human behavior; mathematics to calculate percentages, formulas and averages to solve mathematical problems; and interviewing techniques such as data collection and investigation. Skills
• Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software. Abilities
• Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, gather information, and evaluate situations; analyze information; apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; use 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; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations.

Education and Experience

• 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.

This position may be filled as a Self Sufficiency Specialist I or II . To be competitive for the level II position, applicants should possess previous directly related experience, preferably in a Virginia local department of Social Services.

Special Requirements:

Staff members are expected to be available for emergency shelter duty in the event of emergency or natural disaster.