Job Specification Details

Consultative and evaluation work and possible supervisory work at a professional level for Department for Children and Families, Economic Services Division (ESD) involving rule and procedural interpretation on all programs administered by ESD, procedure development and consultation, training, review of fair hearing requests, and a variety of special projects. Duties include being a liaison with ESD field staff and a number of other internal and external partners related to ESD programs and procedures. Supervision may be exercised over clerical and technical employees. Duties are performed under the general direction of an ESD administrator, but with significant independent judgment and discretion.

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.

Advises field staff on complex eligibility and ESD program case issues through research, analysis and interpretation of rules and precedent. Works with consultants to identify and rectify rule and procedure deficiencies. Communicates and interprets revisions to field staff. Develops strategies to reduce workload and enhance flexibility in the work of field staff. Evaluates fair hearing requests to ensure correct and consistent application of rules and procedures. Authorizes or recommends compliance with, or reversal of, case decisions. May supervise the provision of support services for approximately 20 staff including the Deputy Commissioner. Researches complex cases, consumer complaints and program inquiries. Participates in rule development across programs and conducts staffing review of proposed rules and procedures. Chairs or participates in specialized task forces and acts as liaison between central office committees and field staff. Trouble-shoots ACCESS production problems and pursues enhancements and remedies to the IT system. Works with IT staff to prioritize system requests. Analyzes quality control error reports for trends and coordinates corrective measures. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. A valid drivers' license is required and private means of transportation could be needed if a fleet vehicle is unavailable. Conflicting opinions on operational problems may be anticipated. Multiple competing priorities and tight deadlines are a frequent occurrence.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, particularly as they relate to public assistance programs.

Considerable knowledge of the rules and procedures governing the division's programs and services.

Working knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations applicable to public assistance programs.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Aptitude to work with the division's ACCESS system and other complex software applications.

Ability to research, analyze, interpret, explain and train complex rules and to apply them to specific case situations.

Ability to organize and present material in a clear and concise manner.

Ability to set priorities and manage workload.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

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.

Master's degree AND one (1) year or more at or above a technical level in public benefits eligibility determination, including one (1) year as a Benefits Programs Specialist, Reach Up Case Manager, or Supervisor of TANF, SNAP, Fuel Assistance, or General/Emergency Assistance programs.

OR

Bachelor's degree AND three (3) years or more at or above a technical level in public benefits eligibility determination, including one (1) year as a Benefits Programs Specialist, Reach Up Case Manager, or Supervisor of TANF, SNAP, Fuel Assistance, or General/Emergency Assistance programs.

OR

Associate's degree (or two years of full-time college coursework) AND five (5) years or more at or above a technical level in public benefits eligibility determination, including one (1) year as a Benefits Programs Specialist, Reach Up Case Manager, or Supervisor of TANF, SNAP, Fuel Assistance, or General/Emergency Assistance programs.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND seven (7) year or more at or above a technical level in public benefits eligibility determination, including one (1) year as a Benefits Programs Specialist, Reach Up Case Manager, or Supervisor of TANF, SNAP, Fuel Assistance, or General/Emergency Assistance programs.

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.