Job Specification Details

Paraprofessional work in the Agency of Human Services involving the provision of assistance to higher level workers in case management and in the eligibility determination process. Duties include assisting individuals and families with the application process, providing case management assistance to consumers, and providing clerical support. Work is performed under the supervision of an administrative superior. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Conducts initial interviews with clients, assisting with application process and gathering information for use in eligibility determinations or case plan development. Provides program and service information to clients, individually or in group orientations. Refers clients to other agencies, community resources, and service providers, as appropriate. Obtains necessary verifications and release forms. Schedules client appointments with program specialists, case managers, or counselors. May perform case management or eligibility determination tasks under close supervision. May meet with participants to monitor compliance and progress with case plans. May determine client eligibility for emergency or other benefits as assigned. May authorize expenditures consistent with case plans. Coordinates services with other offices, departments, consultants, and community agencies. Provides clerical support for office operations. May supervise a small clerical staff. May process bills and authorizations, simple overpayments, payroll, or receipt transmittals. Maintains case documentation, transfers or closes files, and ensures correct and consistent data entry of case information. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting, but with the need for occasional travel for which a valid driver’s license, updated insurance and private means of transportation must be available. Incumbents will be confronted with a variety of need and care situations at which strong emotions and opinions may be present.  Employees may be asked to carry car seats and small children, and carefully maneuver them in and out of vehicles when transporting. The nature of work may require performance outside of normal office hours.

Working knowledge of standard office operations.

Knowledge of interviewing principles and practices.

Awareness of case management principles and practices.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in a variety of need situations.

Ability to comprehend and follow moderately complex written and oral instructions.

Ability to acquire and organize pertinent data in a logical, coherent manner.

Ability to perform routine clerical functions such as reception, filing, mailing, data entry.

Ability to prepare written reports in a prescribed format.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to deal tactfully with people.

Basic understanding and ability to use computers and software.

Ability to perform job duties within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Associate's degree or higher OR two years or more of full-time college coursework.

OR

One year of full-time college coursework AND one (1) year or more of experience providing direct client services.

OR

Two (2) years or more of experience providing direct client services.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.