Job Specification Details

Paraprofessional and clerical work for a department within the Agency of Human Services involving assistance to caseworkers and eligibility workers. Duties include assisting in the development and monitoring of case plans and in the application and eligibility determination process and providing clerical support. Supervision may be exercised over a small clerical staff. 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 determination 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 eligibility workers, counselors, or caseworkers. May develop and revise individualized case plans, under close supervision of a professional counselor or caseworker. May meet with clients to monitor compliance and progress with case plans. May determine client eligibility for emergency or other benefits as assigned. 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 occasional travel for which private means of transportation must be available. Incumbents will be confronted with a variety of need or care assistance situations at which strong emotions and opinions may be present. The nature of work may require performance outside of normally assigned duty hours.

Working knowledge of standard office operations.

Knowledge of interviewing principles and practices.

Awareness of casework 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 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 clients and the general public.

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.

High school diploma or equivalent AND one (1) year or more of work experience providing direct client service.

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.