Human Services Assistant 1

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review both the job posting and answer the supplemental questions on the job application in their entirety. 

Amherst County Department of Social Services is accepting applications for the Human Services Assistant position. The starting salary for this position is $25,813 (Commensurate with Experience). The Human Services Assistant will provide support to caseworkers for major program areas: Benefit Programs and/or Family Services.

Human Services Assistant I is the entry level in the occupational group for Human Services Assistants. Employees follow established guidelines, policies, and procedures while performing routine administrative tasks supporting and assisting agency clients while receiving close supervision from professional or administrative staff.

General Work Tasks:  

• Interviews clients and takes applications for services or benefits; 
• Documents file, inputs data, prepares and maintains records; 
• Prepares periodic, special and other reports; 
• Verifies complex statistical and other complicated reports for accuracy and completeness; 
• Prepares and types a variety of financial, statistical forms and reports, case documentation; 
• Prepares case files, completes inquiries; 
• Purges cases; 
• Answers telephone and takes messages; 
• Purchases clothes for children; 
• Transports clients; 
• Assists children in the activities of daily living; and 
• Mails vendor invoices, surveys and other correspondence. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

Working knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, office forms and applications, and other office procedures and terminology; and mathematics sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, divide, compute rate, ratio and percent; and to draw and interpret graphs. Some knowledge of basic human service needs and state computer programs. 

Skill in operating a variety of automated office equipment to include calculator, fax/copier; and the use of computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and file maintenance programs. 

Demonstrated ability to work with clients, co-workers, professionals, and the public; read and comprehend simple documents; write simple correspondence; present information in one-on-one and small group situations; follow written and oral instructions; perform basic mathematics; work with clients, professionals, co-workers and the public; plan, organize, and prioritize daily tasks; use correct spelling and basic grammar; and display common courtesy and be a team player. 

Education and Experience: 

High school diploma with work experience in customer service or general clerical work involving contact with the public OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. 

Preferred Qualifications:  Previous experience working within Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) or another human services field.   Experience using DSS software programs such as VACMS, Spider, EBT, EPPIC, IBM/SVES, MMIS, VEMAT.   

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review both the job posting and answer the supplemental questions on the job application in their entirety. 

Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume. Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of relevant work experience and qualifications, and answer the supplemental questions thoroughly. 

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. This website will provide a confirmation receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. 

Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen. The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings. 

May be required to report for shelter duty during community disasters and/or emergencies.